Senior Hr Leader

Description:

The BBC, a globally renowned public service broadcaster, is seeking an exceptional HR Director for BBC News & Current Affairs. This pivotal leadership role will partner with the BBC Chief People Officer and CEO of BBC News to shape and implement innovative people strategies that drive transformation, inclusivity, and cultural evolution within one of the world’s most trusted news organizations.

This is a unique opportunity to lead HR strategy for a division that delivers impartial, accurate, and timely journalism to audiences across the UK and internationally. The successful candidate will bring a rare blend of strategic acumen and hands-on leadership to support digital transformation, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior executives to translate business priorities into people-focused strategies.

• Lead HR business partnering, organizational development, talent, capability building, and change management initiatives.

• Champion inclusion, employee engagement, and innovation across BBC News.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO of BBC News and senior editorial/operational leaders.

• Drive organizational effectiveness through digitally enabled ways of working and future-fit capabilities.

• Lead trade union and employee relations, ensuring transparent and productive collaboration.

• Manage HR policies, workforce planning, and risk management aligned with BBC values.

• Inspire and develop the BBC News HR team while managing the HR budget effectively.

• Contribute to BBC News and HR leadership teams, role-modelling inclusive leadership.

Core Candidate Criteria

• Proven HR Director-level experience in a large, complex, global, and matrixed organization.

• Strong track record in leading people strategy during significant organizational change.

• Expertise across HR disciplines including organization design, talent development, and employee engagement.

• Experience in unionized environments with successful trade union engagement.

• Commercial acumen, governance understanding, and risk management expertise.

• Consultative leadership approach, ideally with management consulting/human capital consultancy experience.

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and alignment with BBC’s public service values.

• Ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders quickly.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver practical, impactful outcomes.

• Inclusive leader who seeks diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration.

• Strong communicator with clarity, empathy, and influence at all levels.

Location & Contract

• Hybrid role: 2 days weekly in London office, regular UK travel, some international travel.

• Permanent contract.