Head of People

Head of People - Studio XAG

StudioXAG creates bold spaces that tell big stories

We create WOW moments for some of the world’s best-known brands, telling stories that touch every corner of the globe. Immersive experiences that spark emotional connection: surprise, disbelief, delight, joy, awe, wonder.

We have a diverse team of conceptual thinkers, creative dreamers and inquisitive makers that help make this happen.

We’re looking for a Head of People who is excited to get stuck in, shape how we grow, and build a studio where people can do the best work of their careers.

The Role:

As Head of People, you define and lead the People strategy across StudioXAG.

Reporting into our Managing Director and sitting within the Horizon leadership team, you translate business direction into a clear, practical and high-impact People plan.

This is a strategic and hands-on role; you’ll shape the future of the organisation while partnering closely with leaders on the moments that matter most.

You will evolve and shape the People function, building on strong foundations to create a model that supports a growing, ambitious studio.

You’ll be proactive in spotting patterns, anticipating needs and driving action, not waiting for requests, but helping shape what happens next.

Why this role is special
This is a chance to shape the People function in a high-performing creative studio at a pivotal stage of growth.
Over the next 3–5 years, you’ll build the function, influence how the business evolves, and play a key role in shaping the next chapter of StudioXAG.

Requirements

People Strategy & Culture:

Define and deliver a clear People strategy aligned to business goals.
Shape a culture that balances creativity, performance and care, and scales sustainably.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on organisational and people decisions.
Help define what a “WOW” experience looks like for our people, ensuring the same creativity and care we bring to clients is felt internally.

Leadership & Team Development:

Build strong leadership capability across the studio.
Coach senior leaders to improve team effectiveness, performance and decision-making.
Develop future leaders and support progression across teams.

Learning & Development:

Own and deliver a focused L&D approach across all levels.
Embed practical development across leadership, craft and team capability.
Ensure learning is aligned to business needs and future growth.

Performance, Clarity & Accountability:

Own and evolve performance frameworks (RMC, PDP).
Drive clarity in roles, expectations and accountability across teams.
Ensure performance conversations are consistent, meaningful and outcome-focused.

Organisational Design & Talent Planning:

Own and evolve the organisational structure across the studio.
Ensure clear team structures, strong succession plans and leadership depth.
Maintain visibility of key talent, rising stars and potential risks.
Lead regular org and talent reviews to inform hiring and development.

Talent & Hiring:

Build and maintain a strong pipeline of talent , not just hiring when needed, but proactively engaging future talent through networks, communities and relationships.
Lead workforce planning across the studio, identifying trends, skills gaps and future needs, ensuring hiring is proactive, not reactive.
Partner with leaders to build effective, balanced teams.

People Partnering & Complex Matters:

Act as a trusted partner to leaders on team effectiveness, change and complex situations.
Provide clear, pragmatic guidance on sensitive matters.
Bring consistency and confidence to people decision-making.

People Operations, Insight & Infrastructure:

Ensure People processes and systems are scalable and effective.
Use data and insight to inform decisions and drive action.
Oversee reward, progression and core People processes.

Building the People Function:

Shape and evolve the People function to meet the needs of the business.
Build a model where People sets direction and leaders confidently apply it day-to-day.
Create a function that is trusted, impactful and embedded across the studio.

This is a role where you’ll have real influence, shaping not just the People function, but how the business grows and operates day-to-day.

What we are looking for:

• A senior People leader with experience in a fast-paced, creative or client-facing environment (agency experience highly desirable).
• Strong track record of building teams, developing leaders and shaping high-performing cultures.
• Experience evolving or restructuring a People function.
• Able to operate both strategically and hands-on.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgement and a calm, grounded approach.
• Low ego, high ownership, and strong relationship-building skills.
• Confident influencing senior stakeholders and challenging where needed.
• Strong understanding of performance, organisational design and People best practice.
• Commercially aware, with a clear link between People and business performance.
• Someone who enjoys being embedded in the business and in the detail, not operating from a distance, but working closely with teams and making things happen.

If you’re someone who cares deeply about people, loves building from the ground up, and wants to do it in a creative, ambitious and collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

Location:

We currently work a hybrid model; 3 days a week from our East London studio in E10 and 2 flexible days. Our normal working hours are 9am – 6pm but flexible working hours are available.

Some of our benefits:

• Gross profit-related annual bonus scheme
• Workplace pension
• 22 days holiday + 3 days off for Xmas Closure + a day off for your birthday + Bank Holidays
• 0.5 paid days off per month to get inspired
• International research budgets and trips
• All-you-can-eat YCN creative professional learning membership
• Spill mental health support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to fitness discounts

Salary:

£85,000 – £110,000 base salary

Belonging and Inclusivity at StudioXAG:

StudioXAG is a business that strives for equality for all its people. Known for our storytelling, our different perspectives make us more creative than ever.

No matter who you are, you are welcome at StudioXAG.