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
Senior Capability Framework Specialist (Internal)
3-5 years as a Senior SpecialistSkills to master
- Leading end-to-end framework projects for significant departments, successfully managing complex stakeholder relationships, mentoring junior team members, and demonstrating a strong understanding of enterprise-level talent strategy.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering complex framework projects on time and with high stakeholder satisfaction.
- Proactively identifying and proposing solutions for organisational capability challenges.
- Receiving positive feedback on your ability to mentor and guide less experienced colleagues.
- Being seen as the go-to expert for capability design within your current scope.
- 2
HR Business Partner (with strong L&D focus)
5-8 years as a senior HRBPSkills to master
- Deep commercial acumen, understanding specific business unit talent needs, translating business strategy into HR priorities, and experience with talent development initiatives. You'd need to pick up the technical nuances of framework design.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully advised business leaders on talent strategy and organisational effectiveness.
- Led significant talent development or change management programmes within a business unit.
- Demonstrated a keen interest and understanding of capability development and workforce planning.
- Proven ability to influence business outcomes through HR interventions.
- 3
Management Consultant (HR/Talent)
2-4 years at a senior consultant levelSkills to master
- Client relationship management, project delivery in diverse organisational contexts, strategic problem-solving, and a broad understanding of talent management best practices. You'd need to adapt to our internal culture and systems.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully delivered talent strategy or organisational design projects for multiple clients.
- Proven ability to diagnose complex organisational challenges and propose actionable solutions.
- Strong presentation and client-facing skills.
- Experience working with diverse industries and organisational structures.