Head of People and Talent

At Canvas8, we believe our people deserve the very best. We’re looking for a visionary leader to craft an extraordinary workplace where talent thrives – and we’d love you to be the one to lead it.

About us 

We are Canvas8, a strategic insights practice with offices in London, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Manila. We help our clients understand people so they can make better business decisions.

Our work is about investigating the hidden insights in everyday life – from the psychology of boredom to teenage make-up rituals to why Barbiecore is a Gen Y thing – and making them meaningful for brands. Our team is a blend of different disciplines and skills – from psychology to journalism, and anthropology to behavioural economics. What unites them is a desire to understand people and a passion for delivering outstanding work.

Requirements

About the role

At Canvas8, our people are our greatest asset. We’re seeking a dynamic Head of People & Talent to lead our People function and shape the future of the employee experience.

This is a pivotal leadership role, working closely with the COO and senior leadership team to design and deliver a People strategy that supports Canvas8’s ambitious growth. You’ll have full ownership of the People agenda, from talent acquisition and retention to culture, wellbeing, and development, ensuring every employee can thrive and grow.

As the leader of our expanding People team, you’ll inspire and enable them to deliver exceptional impact, while making Canvas8 one of the most rewarding and progressive places to work in our industry.

The day-to-day

• Strategic Leadership – Partner with the COO and leadership team on People strategy, organisational design, workforce planning, and leadership development. Manage the People team budget and resources to deliver maximum impact.
• Talent & Employer Brand – Build a best-in-class global talent function, overseeing recruitment, retention, and career progression. Lead employer branding initiatives to position Canvas8 as an employer of choice.
• Learning & Growth – Design and deliver a learning strategy that empowers employees’ personal and professional development, working closely with managers to tailor programs to team needs.
• Culture & Engagement – Champion Canvas8’s values through cultural initiatives, wellbeing programs, and employee-led committees (DEI, Mental Health Champions, etc.), ensuring a thriving, inclusive culture.
• People Insights & Operations – Use data and metrics to guide decisions, measure success, and present insights to leadership. Oversee HR operations (payroll, benefits, compliance, policies) to ensure consistency, scalability, and employee satisfaction.
• Leadership & Development – Line manage and develop the People team, empowering them to deliver excellence while driving continuous improvement across the function.

About you

You are a strategic, people-first leader with a proven track record in senior People roles. You combine vision and hands-on expertise, aligning People strategy with business goals while creating exceptional employee experiences.

Curious and innovative, you enhance talent acquisition, retention, and development, keeping diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of everything you do. Data-driven yet empathetic, you use insights to guide decisions while remembering that behind every metric is a person.

At Canvas8, we need someone who cares deeply about people and the transformative power of culture. You thrive in collaboration, build strong relationships across all levels, and navigate the complexities of a growing global business. More than a leader, you’re a mentor  – empowering your team to grow while driving impactful change.

Requirements 

• Proven experience in a senior People leadership role, ideally in a fast-paced or scaling environment
• Strong expertise in talent acquisition, retention strategies, and employer branding, with experience in global hiring
• A track record of driving impactful employee relations programs and understanding employment law
• Demonstrated success in leading cultural and engagement initiatives that align with Canvas8’s mission and values
• Data-driven, with the ability to analyse People metrics and translate insights into actionable strategies for Canvas8
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence across Canvas8’s global teams
• A strategic thinker who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution, ensuring Canvas8’s people strategy drives business success

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Hybrid working with flexible start times
• 29 days paid holiday (including bank hols)
• Interest-free ‘Life Unlock Loan’ for lump sum payments (rental deposits, sponsorship, etc)
• A personalised career development plan
• Access to physical and mental well-being support, including two ‘Mental Wealth’ days
• Pension, life insurance, cashback, private health plan, and cycle scheme
• Summer Fridays, seasonal benefits, and lots of staff socials
• A friendly and welcoming team (pooches included)

If you think this sounds like a good fit, please apply below by outlining why and attaching your CV. 

Applications will close on Tuesday 23rd September 2025.