Fractional People Director

People Puzzles

. Advise senior leaders on growth, transformation and complex people challenges .

Posted 9/25/2026contractBirmingham • United KingdomLead💰 £80,000 - £135,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing people strategies that drive business growth and enhance organizational performance. Proficient in leveraging people data, AI, and emerging technologies to inform decision-making and improve employee engagement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

HR Strategy DevelopmentOrganizational Change LeadershipStakeholder Relationship ManagementAI and Technology IntegrationTalent Development and Succession Planning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

People Strategy ExecutionOrganizational DesignLeadership DevelopmentEmployee Engagement EnhancementWorkforce PlanningData Analytics for Decision-MakingChange ManagementPerformance ImprovementCommercial Insight ApplicationAI Utilization in Business

Soft Skills

Influencing Senior StakeholdersBuilding Trusted RelationshipsCollaborationCuriosityPragmatism

Tools & Technologies

AI ToolsPeople Analytics SoftwareDigital Collaboration Platforms

Industry Keywords

HR DirectorPeople DirectorCHROCPOSenior HR ConsultantOrganizational PerformanceBusiness TransformationHigh-Performing TeamsClient Portfolio ManagementEmerging Technology Trends

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Advise senior leaders on growth, transformation and complex people challenges
Deliver people strategies supporting business growth and organisational performance
Partner with Boards, Executive Teams and senior stakeholders to shape business direction
Lead organisational change, transformation and culture initiatives
Improve leadership capability and build high-performing teams
Design effective organisational structures and operating models
Develop talent, succession and workforce plans
Enhance employee engagement, wellbeing and performance
Build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
Use commercial insight, people data and analytics to support business decisions
Balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to achieve measurable outcomes
Guide leaders on the opportunities and implications of AI in the workplace
Help clients apply emerging technology in practical, commercially valuable ways
Build and manage a portfolio of clients as part of a fractional/consulting career

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experienced HR Director, People Director, CHRO, CPO or Senior HR Consultant
Commercially minded and confident operating at Board level
Passionate about helping business leaders unlock business performance through their people
Looking for more flexibility, autonomy and control over working life
Curious, pragmatic and action-oriented
Comfortable building trusted client relationships and influencing senior stakeholders
Excited to develop an own portfolio while being part of a supportive community
Enjoys collaborating with like-minded professionals and sharing ideas, challenges and successes
Comfortable using technology and AI to improve business performance, people outcomes and decision-making
Proven track record of delivering similar strategic and operational outcomes
Experience developing and executing people strategies supporting business growth and organisational performance
Experience partnering with Boards, Executive Teams and senior stakeholders to shape business direction
Experience leading organisational change, transformation and culture initiatives
Experience improving leadership capability and building high-performing teams
Experience designing organisational structures and operating models
Experience developing talent, succession and workforce plans
Experience enhancing employee engagement, wellbeing and performance
Experience building trusted relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels
Experience using commercial insight and people data for business decision-making
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to achieve measurable outcomes
Confidence using AI and digital tools to enhance productivity, insight and decision-making
Ability to leverage people data and analytics for workforce and organisational decisions
Ability to support leaders in understanding AI opportunities and implications in the workplace
Awareness of emerging technology trends and ability to apply them practically and commercially

Benefits

Comp & perks

Earnings potential of £60,000 to £135,000+, with the flexibility to shape your own working week and client portfolio
An established and trusted brand, chosen by over 1,000 ambitious business leaders across the UK
A collaborative community of 80+ experienced People Directors, sharing expertise, ideas and support
Marketing and lead generation support from a dedicated team focused on building awareness and creating opportunities
Business development support to help you grow your portfolio and maximise your success
Referral opportunities through the wider People Puzzles network
Ongoing CPD and professional development, including access to carefully selected strategic partners
Proven tools, methodologies and resources that help deliver exceptional client outcomes
Independence without isolation, giving you the autonomy of self-employment whilst remaining part of a supportive, high-performing team
Infrastructure, support and community to build a rewarding and sustainable portfolio career
Access to Talent Team FAQs videos about working with People Puzzles and the recruitment process