People & Operations Executive Search

We find the leaders capable of building world-class cultures and delivering operational excellence.

The Culture and Execution Engines Hire is Critical

A strategy is only as good as the people who believe in it and the processes that deliver it. In the modern executive landscape, the Chief People Officer (CPO) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) are the architects of the company’s reality.

The mandate for these roles has shifted dramatically. HR leaders are no longer just administrators; they are strategic partners responsible for talent architecture, succession, and cultural integration during M&A. Similarly, Operations leaders must now navigate digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and the complexities of hybrid working models.

At CJPI, we view People and Operations as the “spinal cord” of any business. We identify leaders who can translate the CEO’s vision into daily behaviours and efficient execution.

People & Ops Roles We Recruit

Typical Mandates Include:

Chief People Officer (CPO)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

HR Director / Head of HR

Operations Director

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Our team have partnered with leaders and organisations across sectors including:

The CJPI Difference

Why CJPI for People & Ops?

We understand that these roles are the glue that holds an organisation together. A bad hire here doesn't just affect revenue; it destabilises the culture and the day-to-day running of the business.

Culture as Strategy

For People roles, we look beyond the handbook. We assess candidates on "Talent Architecture"—their ability to build frameworks that attract, retain, and motivate top-tier talent. We look for leaders who can drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) not as a tick-box exercise, but as a performance driver.

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Operational Reality

For Operations roles, we test for execution. A great COO must be the bridge between the CEO's vision and the frontline's reality. We assess candidates on their ability to simplify complexity, manage cost bases, and implement technology that actually works for the end-user.

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Change & Integration

Whether it is integrating two cultures post-merger or restructuring a failing division, People and Ops leaders are the change agents. We use behavioural profiling to identify candidates with the resilience and emotional intelligence (EQ) required to lead teams through periods of significant uncertainty.

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Our Approach

We combine judgement, science and our winning methodology.

Research

Uncovering the map of prospective leaders

Search

Proactive, confidential headhunting

Assessment

Benchmarked against the 'ideal profile'

Guarantee

Protection from our placement guarantee

More about our search process

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Looking to hire a People or Operational Leader? Please provide a few details below to request a confidential discussion with one of our Directors. We typically reply to all enquiries within 1 business day.