Head of People

Role Title: Head of People
Reports to: Board
Direct Reports: None initially (future team growth anticipated)
Key Collaboration: Operations Team, Finance, Marketing, Store Managers, Senior Leadership Team, External HR & Recruitment Partners
Location: London (supporting both Central Office and Store Teams)

Role Purpose

The Head of People leads the people strategy for Honi Poké and subsidiary brands, shaping a culture where our values are lived every day, and our teams are empowered to deliver exceptional experiences. This role is central to developing the employee experience from end to end, from recruitment and onboarding to engagement, retention, and growth.

As both a strategic partner and hands-on practitioner, the Head of People ensures our people practices not only meet operational needs but also drive long-term business transformation. This role champions culture, values, and leadership development, ensuring Honi Poké remains a people-first business that attracts, develops, and retains outstanding talent.

Key Responsibilities

People Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and deliver a people strategy that aligns with Honi Poké’s vision, values, and growth plans.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the senior leadership team on all people-related matters, from organisational design to workforce planning.
• Build and communicate a clear vision for people and culture, ensuring it is embedded across all levels of the business.
• Drive initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.

Culture, Values & Engagement

• Champion Honi Poké’s values and ensure they are reflected in all people processes, communications, and decision-making.
• Design and deliver initiatives that strengthen engagement and enhance the overall employee experience.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on trust, accountability, and recognition.
• Lead internal communications and storytelling around culture and success, ensuring every team member feels connected to the brand’s purpose.

Talent Management & Development

• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and retention.
• Build robust hiring and onboarding processes that attract people who embody the Honi Poké spirit.
• Partner with managers to identify training needs and implement development pathways that grow future leaders.
• Introduce and evolve talent frameworks that support career progression and succession planning.

Transformational HR & Change Leadership

• Lead the evolution of HR from a transactional to a transformational function, balancing operational excellence with strategic impact.
• Identify and implement systems, tools, and processes that improve efficiency and data visibility.
• Support organisational change initiatives, ensuring clear communication, smooth transitions, and employee engagement throughout.
• Bring a modern, human-centered approach to policies, performance management, and reward strategies.

Operational HR & Compliance

• Manage day-to-day HR operations, ensuring compliance with all employment laws and best practices.
• Oversee employee relations, providing advice, guidance, and support to managers.
• Maintain accurate HR data and reporting, using insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage any ER cases as and when they arise.
• Partner with Finance on payroll, benefits, and compensation structures.

Success Metrics

• A clearly defined and embedded people and culture strategy that supports company growth.
• Improved employee engagement and retention across all departments.
• Streamlined, efficient HR operations with strong compliance and reporting standards.
• Clear evidence of culture transformation, increased values alignment, leadership capability, and employee satisfaction.
• Recognition of Honi Poké as a great place to work within the hospitality sector.
• Measurable commercial impact to overall business objectives

Ongoing Development

• Continue to develop leadership and strategic HR skills through coaching, peer learning, and external networks.
• Stay informed on people trends, employment legislation, and best practice in the hospitality industry.
• Build influence within the leadership team by driving people-focused innovation and measurable commercial impact.
• Plan for future growth of the People function, including identifying when and how to expand the team.

£65000 per year

• 30 days holiday, increasing per year of service up to 32 days. 
• Health Insurance
• Free meals when working 
• Exclusive team discounts for you, your friends & family
• Employee Assistance Programme: support for your wellbeing
• A vibrant, friendly team culture where positivity and growth go hand-in-hand