Head of Performance
Intelligent People is a London, UK based executive recruitment agency specialising in Digital Marketing.
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The role of the Head of Performance
The Head of Performance plays a vital role in aligning an organisation’s goals with measurable outcomes. This leadership position involves setting performance benchmarks, analysing data and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Commonly found in industries such as business, sports and entertainment, this role is essential for organisations striving to achieve peak performance.
What are the main objectives of the Head of Performance?
Objectives can vary depending on the company and its specific goals. However, their overarching goal is to bridge the gap between strategy and results, ensuring every aspect of the organisation contributes to overall success. Here are eight common objectives:
Strategic planning and alignment
Develop and implement performance strategies that align with organisational goals and objectives.
Ensure performance metrics support long-term business plans and priorities.
Performance monitoring and evaluation
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks to measure individual, team and organisational performance.
Regularly assess and report on performance trends, identifying areas for improvement.
Process optimisation
Review and refine processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance productivity.
Introduce systems or tools to streamline performance monitoring and reporting.
Leadership and team development
Lead and inspire teams to achieve high performance through coaching, mentoring and training.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability across the organisation.
Stakeholder engagement
Collaborate with key stakeholders, including senior management, to ensure alignment on performance initiatives.
Communicate performance insights and recommendations effectively to drive informed decision-making.
Data-driven decision making
Leverage data analytics to provide actionable insights into performance gaps and opportunities.
Use evidence-based approaches to propose and implement improvements.
Compliance and risk management
Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and industry standards in all performance-related activities.
Identify and mitigate risks that could impact performance outcomes.
Innovation and change management
Champion innovation to address performance challenges and seize opportunities for growth.
Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth implementation of new performance strategies.
Hiring in 2025?
Discovering the ideal timing to hire can be a challenging task. This guide provides insights into the role, the optimal period to bring one on board depending on your business strategy and expansion plans, as well as the necessary resources you may require in preparing for the recruitment process.
These resources may include an executive search firm, a set of interview questions, and assessment ideas to aid in the selection process.
What is the expected salary of a Head of Performance role?
Salaries for a Head of Performance can vary based on industry, location and experience. On average, in today’s market, a salary for this role would reach a range between £60,000 and £90,000 annually, with potential for six-figure earnings in senior positions or large organisations.
There are some factors which may determine the level of salary including:
- The ambitions of the company. Do they have stretching objectives to meet and therefore they need a strong candidate to join?
- The size of company. What funding do they have to secure the best candidate?
- The location of the HQ. Most candidates see a higher salary when commuting to a main city like London or Manchester.
Head of Performance job description
Company overview:
We are a rapidly growing tech company at the forefront of innovation in [industry/sector]. Our cutting-edge solutions have gained significant traction in the market, and we are scaling our operations to capitalise on our success. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced marketing leader to join our executive team and drive our marketing efforts to new heights.
Role overview:
Reporting to the CEO, you will be expected to lead the organisation’s performance management strategy, ensuring delivery against key objectives, optimising team and individual performance and driving a culture of continuous improvement. The Head of Performance will work collaboratively across all departments to ensure efficient processes, evidence-based decision-making and alignment with organisational goals.
Responsibilities:
Performance strategy and planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive performance management framework. Align performance strategies with organisational objectives and sector standards. Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) at organisational, team, and individual levels.
Performance monitoring and reporting: Establish systems to monitor performance trends and identify opportunities for improvement. Produce regular performance reports for senior leadership, stakeholders and board members. Provide actionable insights using data analytics to influence strategic decisions.
Process optimisation: Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements to enhance productivity. Introduce performance tools and software to improve monitoring and reporting capabilities.
Team leadership and development: Lead, manage and inspire the performance management team (if applicable). Provide coaching, training and development opportunities to enhance organisational capabilities. Promote a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder engagement: Work closely with senior leaders, department heads and external stakeholders to align performance initiatives. Act as the primary advisor on performance-related matters to the executive team.
Compliance and risk management: Ensure all performance-related activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Monitor risks related to performance delivery and develop strategies to mitigate these.
Change and innovation: Drive organisational change to improve performance outcomes. Champion innovation and introduce best practices to address challenges and improve results.
Qualifications:
While not always mandatory, most employers prefer candidates with:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Performance Management or a sector-specific discipline.
- Postgraduate qualifications like an MBA or certifications in project management (e.g., PRINCE2).
- Experience in similar roles, such as Performance Manager or Analyst.
If you have an innovative mindset with a focus on growth and improvement and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and have demonstrated success in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we would love to hear from you. Join our team and be a driving force behind our success as we revolutionise our sector.
Download full job description
Required skills for a Head of Performance
Becoming a successful Head of Performance requires a mix of strategic vision, leadership and technical expertise.
Key skills include:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
- Being results-orientated with a focus on measurable outcomes.
- Ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve high performance.
- Strong decision-making and organisational skills.
Education requirements of a Head of Performance
While there’s no single path to becoming a Head of Performance, most candidates possess:
- A Bachelor’s Degree: Common fields include Business Administration, Performance Management or a sector-specific discipline.
- Postgraduate qualifications like an MBA or certifications in project management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile).
- Experience in similar roles, such as Performance Manager or Analyst.
- Advanced Qualifications: An MBA or equivalent can give candidates an edge, particularly for roles in larger organisations.
Our digital recruitment agency approach
We operate with our core values at the centre of everything we do. We listen. We support. We’re ethical, always wanting the best for clients and candidates – we’ll never push you down a route that is not right for you or your business. That’s built our trusted reputation as a digital recruitment agency, and it’s why our customers come back to us time and time again.
Head of Performance FAQs
- What industries employ a Head of Performance?
- Industries like business, sports, healthcare, entertainment and education frequently require performance leaders.
- Is the role of Head of Performance stressful?
- While the role is demanding, strong organisational skills and a supportive team can help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- What’s the biggest challenge in this role?
- Balancing ambitious targets with realistic timelines and team capacity can be one of the most significant challenges.
- What is the typical career progression for this role?
- A Head of Performance may progress to roles such as Marketing Director, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, or other senior executive positions, depending on the organisation.
- What is the role’s involvement in change management?
- The Head of Performance often leads or supports change initiatives by analysing performance gaps, proposing improvements, and ensuring smooth transitions during organisational changes.
