When hiring for this leadership position, identifying key qualities is crucial for a successful match. Firstly, the prospective candidate for any HR role should align with the company culture and values, as they will serve as a steward of workplace ethics and behaviour. 

They should have experience in essential HR functions such as recruitment, employee relations, compliance, performance management, and leadership development (especially for a Head of People role). Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also vital, with a particular emphasis on empathy, approachability, and the ability to handle sensitive issues – all while balancing the business’s needs. 

The ideal Head of People candidate should demonstrate sound judgement and problem-solving abilities – particularly in handling sensitive situations – as well as experience with HR software and technology. 

Additionally, an HR professional in this role should be able to assess skills gaps, design training programs, and help nurture future leaders within the organisation.