Interim & Fractional HR Director Recruitment

Q: What does an interim HR Director do?

An interim HR Director leads the HR function for a defined period. Depending on the mandate, they may lead a restructure, integrate two workforces, stabilise the HR team after a departure or hold the role while a permanent appointment is made.

Q: What is a fractional HR Director?

A fractional HR Director is an experienced people leader who works with a business part time on an ongoing basis, setting the people strategy and advising the CEO and board.

Q: How long do interim HR assignments last?

Most run for three to twelve months, depending on the scale of the change and whether a permanent appointment is being made.

Q: Do you also recruit permanent HR Directors and CPOs?

Yes. See our HR Director and CHRO recruitment page. We can run a permanent search alongside an interim assignment.

Interim and Fractional HR Director Executive Search

When a business changes, people leadership matters most.

A restructure needs handling carefully and fairly. Two businesses are coming together and their teams need to become one. The HR Director has left in the middle of a major programme. A growing business has reached the point where it needs senior people leadership, but not five days a week.

Novo finds interim and fractional HR Directors and Chief People Officers who can step in, earn the trust of the board and the workforce, and lead the people side of change.

HR Leadership Specialist

Jo Watkins

Director

Need senior HR leadership?

Speak in confidence with one of our Directors about the situation and the leader it needs.

Call now

Email now

HR Leadership Specialist

George Woodward

Director

Need senior HR leadership?

Speak in confidence with one of our Directors about the situation and the leader it needs.

Call now

Email now

HR Leadership Specialist

Dale Perrett

Founding Director

Need senior HR leadership?

Speak in confidence with one of our Directors about the situation and the leader it needs.

Call now

Email now

Experienced people leadership, when you need it

Book a confidential discussion with one of our Executive Search Directors

Discuss an HR Director Appointment

When You Need an Interim HR Director or Chief People Officer

Common situations include:

A restructure or redundancy programme is planned
A merger or acquisition needs integrating
The HR Director or CPO has left

Culture or engagement needs attention after a difficult period
Employment law changes need a planned response
A permanent executive search is underway

An interim HR Director works full time for a defined period, with a clear mandate agreed with the CEO and board.

Fractional HR Directors

Many growing businesses need senior HR input before they need a full-time HR Director.

A fractional HR Director works part time on an ongoing basis. They set the people strategy, advise the CEO and board, and build the policies, processes and team the business needs as it grows.

This can suit founder-led businesses, smaller PE-backed portfolio companies and organisations with a capable HR team that needs senior direction.

What a Good Interim HR Director Brings

The right appointment brings judgement as well as technical HR knowledge.

Credibility with the board: Clear advice on risk, cost and timing.

Trust with the workforce: Fair, consistent and visible leadership through change.

Relevant experience: Restructures, integrations and culture change they have led before.

A plan for what comes next: A stronger HR function and a clear handover at the end of the assignment.

Testimonials

Our interim HR director was a transformational presence. Novo understood the cultural challenges we faced and delivered someone who brought warmth, structure and credibility. Morale lifted, training improved and the organisation began to feel connected again.

Interim HR Director, International Hospitality Group

Novo were recently retained to recruit an HR Director for Jaywing The targeted search assignment engaged with a very strong shortlist of candidates based in the North and East Midlands resulting in the successful appointment.

Jaywing

“Novo was very professional as a Search and Selection specialist, helping support me through securing a great new position. He was very well informed about the organisation, answered all my questions and kept me up to date with progress throughout.”

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

“My personal experience with Novo was really good. They had all the information I needed whilst being professional, discreet and considerate, which ultimately made the whole process extremely smooth.” Account Director, Catalina Marketing

Catalina Marketing

Novo’s Legal Team were retained to recruit a Partner. Through a targeted and comprehensive headhunting assignment process Novo were successful in appointing an excellent Partner for the practice.

Bray & Bray Solicitors

Many thanks for your work in finding and helping me to recruit for the position of Head of Business Development. Novo has done an excellent piece of work and I would have no hesitation in coming to you for another assignment or in recommending you for other potential clients.” Chief Executive, Commonwealth Education Trust.

Commonwealth Education Trust

How We Find Interim and Fractional HR Leaders

Brief: We agree the situation, the mandate and the experience the role needs.

Search: We approach interim and fractional HR leaders who have led comparable restructures, integrations or culture programmes.

Shortlist: We assess each candidate’s record of delivery, availability and fit with your board and culture.

Appointment and support: We manage the process through to start date and stay in touch throughout the assignment.

For a permanent appointment, see our HR Director and CHRO recruitment page.

Our HR Leadership Specialists

Dale Perrett

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Jo Watkins

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Jon Hollier

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Facing a period of people change?

Discuss your requirements with our executive search team in confidence

Discuss a Confidential Appointment

Insights

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Interim CFO or Fractional CFO: Which Does Your Business Need?

Why PE Portfolio Companies Are Turning to Interim CFOs

After a Cyber Incident: When to Bring in Interim Security Leadership

Interim and Fractional HR Director FAQs

What does an interim HR Director do?

What is a fractional HR Director?

How long do interim HR assignments last?

Do you also recruit permanent HR Directors and CPOs?