Interim Talent Director

Talent Director (12-month Maternity Cover – FTC)

Location: London (Hybrid)

About IDEO

IDEO is a global design consultancy where curiosity, empathy, and innovation drive everything we do. For over 40 years, we’ve partnered with clients across healthcare, mobility, education, retail, and beyond to tackle complex challenges. Our goal is to create meaningful, human-centred impact through design.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and innovative Talent Director to lead our Talent Function in the London Hub, which consists of over 40 employees across consulting and operational teams, for a 12-month maternity cover starting in December 2024. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape and activate our talent strategy, driving initiatives that cultivate, develop, and support our teams through equitable and effective talent processes, helping IDEO achieve its business objectives and growth.

Key Responsibilities

As Talent Director, you will:

• Lead and develop the London Talent Team, consisting of two part-time direct reports, to align with IDEO’s business objectives.
• Drive organisational development and HR services across talent management, career development, performance, leadership development, and culture.
• Collaborate with Global talent leadership to execute London talent priorities, including Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Learning & Development (L&D) initiatives.
• Partner with London business leaders to identify and implement people strategies that support business outcomes.
• Provide coaching and guidance to leadership on talent management, employee relations, organisational design, and performance management.
• Oversee annual performance review cycle (Journeys) for the London Hub and work closely with team leads to ensure consistency in role, organisation, and compensation changes.
• Develop and implement scalable HR policies and processes to support IDEO’s current and future growth.
• Offer day-to-day HR support, including advice on compensation, benefits, policy, and employment law.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with:

• 10+ years of relevant HR experience in the UK market, including 1-2 years in people management roles.
• A Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., business, organisational development, HR management) or equivalent experience.
• CIPD or SHRM accreditation (preferred).
• Proven success in building and optimising talent programs in a global, multicultural organisation.
• Strong people communication skills, fostering trust and working relationships, and effectively guiding teams through change.
• Business acumen, with a focus on aligning HR initiatives to drive business results.
• Sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential information.

Bonus Points

Experience in global creative, design, or consulting organisations is a plus.

What IDEO Offers

• Growth and Learning: Whether it’s developing leadership skills, honing design expertise, or exploring new technologies, we support your growth journey.
• Community: We thrive on collaboration and foster moments of creativity, connection, and reflection—valuing a balanced work-life approach.
• Purposeful Projects: We partner with clients to use design as a force for good, solving meaningful problems from inception through to implementation.

Location:

This role is based in our London Hub, with a flexible hybrid working model. You will be required to work on-site up to 2-3 days per week. You must be based in the UK and have the unrestricted right to work here, as we are unable to offer sponsorship. Applicants with long notice periods need not apply, as we are seeking a candidate who can start in December 2024.