The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director of HR (Large Enterprise / Global)
5-8 yearsSkills to master
- Leading a large, multi-functional HR team
- managing significant HR budgets
- driving HR strategy for a major business unit
- presenting to executive leadership
- navigating complex employee relations at scale.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major HR transformation project across multiple countries.
- Consistently delivered on people metrics that directly impacted business unit P&L.
- Built and mentored a high-performing HR leadership team.
- Demonstrated strong influencing skills with senior business leaders outside of HR.
- 2
VP People / Head of HR (Mid-Sized to Large Company)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Developing and executing a full HR strategy for a growing company
- building and scaling HR functions from the ground up
- direct reporting to a CEO/COO
- managing all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully scaled an HR function during a period of rapid company growth.
- Implemented new HR technologies that significantly improved efficiency and employee experience.
- Built a strong talent brand that attracted high-calibre candidates.
- Became a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on all people matters.
- 3
Senior HR Business Partner Director (Global)
4-6 yearsSkills to master
- Strategic partnership with executive business leaders
- driving talent strategy for a significant global division
- managing complex organisational changes
- deep understanding of business unit financials and market dynamics.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeded expectations in supporting a major business unit's talent and organisational goals.
- Successfully navigated complex leadership challenges and talent issues within their client group.
- Demonstrated the ability to translate business strategy into actionable people plans.
- Gained a reputation as a 'go-to' strategic partner for senior business leaders.