Jo Smith
HR Delivery Director @Direct Line Group
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WORK HISTORY
HR Delivery Director @Direct Line Group
Member of the Group HR Leadership Team, reporting into the Chief People Officer, with responsibility for a diverse team across Talent Acquisition, Background Screening and Onboarding, Employer Brand, Learning & Development, HR Services, Payroll, and Group Health & Safety. Led a comprehensive review of the operating model, introducing targeted technology enhancements and optimising third-party partnerships to improve the colleague and leader experience while significantly reducing operating costs. Partnered closely with the Chief People Officer to successfully onboard a new Group CEO and Executive Committee during a pivotal leadership transition. Led the development and launch of a refreshed, careers site aligned to the organisation’s new strategy and EVP. Implemented a new payroll system whilst maintaining high accuracy rates and zero impact to colleagues. Designed and delivered a Leadership Development Programme to over 1,500 people managers and leaders—rolled out at pace in under 16 weeks during a period of substantial organisational change.
EDUCATION
CIPD Qualifications
Level 7, Human Resources Management and Services
SKILLS
ABOUT JO SMITH
I bring a unique blend of deep operational and HR leadership experience, grounded in pragmatism and shaped by high-pressure environments. With roots in front-line operations and HR, I’ve always led teams through major transformations—including IPO readiness, leadership transitions, shifting operating models, cultural and values changes, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). What drives me is creating the conditions for high performance in a way that’s both inclusive and commercially astute. I believe in working at pace, staying close to the business, and enabling leaders and teams to thrive in complexity. I’m outcome-focused and able to cut through the noise to what really matters—building resilient, high-performing functions that never lose sight of their people.
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