Head of Talent and Leadership Development

As Head of Talent and Leadership Development, you will define and lead the global strategy for talent, leadership, and learning at COS, ensuring alignment with our People Strategy and overall business objectives. 

Reporting directly to the People Director, you will manage a team  across Talent, Leadership, and Learning & Development. In this critical global role, you will design career pathways, build future-ready capabilities, and embed leadership accountability throughout the organization—driving impact across our London head office and stores in all regions worldwide. 

You will collaborate closely with the Heads of HR Operations, HR Business Partnering, Total Rewards, and Talent Acquisition to deliver an integrated strategy that supports both our office and retail environments globally. 

What you will do: 

• Set the long-term strategic direction for the Talent & Leadership Development team and work collaboratively to design a comprehensive talent strategy encompassing workforce planning, skills gap analysis, leadership / skills development, and innovative learning initiatives. 
• Coach, mentor, and develop a team of three specialists and a Learning Lead, ensuring they deliver consistently strong results and impactful solutions for the business. 
• Partner with the Global Talent Acquisition Manager to build external talent pipelines for emerging roles and critical skills needed across the organization. 
• Drive workforce planning and skills gap analysis through the Talent Specialist, shaping career pathways and future capabilities, and leading succession planning and targeted development for high-potential talent. 
• Lead and collaborate with the Learning & Development Lead and Learning Specialist to create and manage learning frameworks that foster career growth and organizational performance, leveraging innovative solutions such as digital learning and experiential programs. 
• Identify future skill requirements and develop actionable plans to build organizational capability and resilience. 
• Work with the Leadership Specialist to design and oversee leadership development programs for all levels, including executive coaching and high-potential talent initiatives. 
• Strengthen leadership capability and accountability through tailored programs, assessments, and recognition frameworks. 
• Ensure robust succession planning for critical roles and leadership pipelines by partnering with HR Business Partners across regions. 

Alignment to our company values is the most important characteristic we look for in all new joiners. Our values are the behaviours that we appreciate above and beyond anything else. We are open-minded and curious, we dare to be different, we believe in constant improvement and we empower and trust you to take ownership. Our values are part of who we are, what we stand for and how we act. 

What you need to succeed  

• Proven experience leading HR teams across multiple disciplines (Workforce Planning, L&D, Engagement, Talent Management, Compensation & Benefits). 
• Background in matrixed, high-growth, global organizations; experience in US and APAC markets is a plus. 
• Expertise in designing and delivering leadership development programs aligned with organizational strategy. 
• Extensive knowledge of leadership theories and learning methodologies. 
• Strong ability to plan and execute complex initiatives, analyze business needs, and develop innovative solutions for leadership and learning challenges. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

This is a full time permanent contract based at our Head Office in London UK  

Benefits  

We offer all our employees attractive benefits with extensive development opportunities around the globe. All our employees receive a 25% staff discount usable on all our H&M Group brands in stores and online. In addition to our staff discount, all our employees are included in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP. You can read more about our H&M Incentive Program here. 

In addition to this UK based colleagues also receive  

• Up to 25 days holiday 
• Annual health checks 
• Pension scheme 
• Discounts on various activities and financial/lifestyle products via our benefits hub 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Discounted gym membership 
• Employee assistance via retail trust  
• Private health & dental care 

Inclusion & Diversity  

At COS we’re determined to create and maintain inclusive, diverse and equitable workplaces throughout our organisation. Our teams should consist of a variety of people who share and combine their knowledge, experience and ideas. Having a diverse workforce leads to a positive impact on how we address challenges, what we perceive as possible and how we choose to relate to our colleagues and customers all over the world, therefore all diversity dimensions are taken into consideration in our recruitment process.   

Brand Description  

COS offers a wardrobe of ready-to-wear and accessories rooted in exceptional quality and lasting design. The brand has an elevated aesthetic that embodies luxury with an emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation and compelling fashion movements. 

In this role you will have some flexibility to work remotely however due to the high level of cross department collaborations 4 days per week office presence is required to foster strong collaborations and team work. 

Ready to apply? Click on the I’M INTERESTED link where you can upload your CV securely. Once we have received your application, we will keep you updated regularly about the status of your application so please look out for our email.  

Closing Date: 4/2, Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!