At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape Ark's People & OD strategy to enhance workplace culture.
- Company: Values-driven housing and social care organisation focused on community and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, hybrid working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior HR roles and strong knowledge of employment law.
The predicted salary is between 57696 - 57696 £ per year.
Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development
Location: Edinburgh Salary: £57,696.82 per annum + £4,564.80 per annum car allowance Hours: 32 hours per week (full-time) Contract: Permanent
Our people are at the heart of everything we do.
As a values‑driven housing and social care organisation, we create inclusive communities where people can live with dignity, independence and belonging.
About The Role
This senior People & OD leadership role is part of Ark’s Senior Leadership Team.
It focuses on shaping Ark’s culture, workforce strategy, and people systems to support the organisation’s long‑term ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead delivery of Ark’s People & OD and Workforce Strategy priorities.
- Provide strategic and professional advice to the Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Management.
- Lead People Services, Talent & Engagement, Learning & OD and workforce functions.
- Oversee workforce planning, succession planning and leadership capability development.
- Lead workforce analytics, people dashboards and evidence‑based reporting.
- Support organisational change, continuous improvement and digital transformation.
- Provide strategic oversight of employee relations, employment law and regulatory compliance.
- Support recruitment, retention and workforce sustainability.
- Ensure People & OD systems, processes and governance are robust, effective and future‑focused.
- Support key corporate priorities, including implementation of Employment Hero.
- Prepare and present papers, reports and workforce insights for senior governance forums.
About You
- Strong track record in a senior People, HR or OD leadership role.
- Experience developing and delivering organisation‑wide People, OD and workforce strategies.
- Experience operating as part of a senior leadership team.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, regulatory compliance and people governance.
- Experience leading multi‑function People teams, including HR operations, L&D, OD, recruitment, payroll or people systems.
- Confidence using workforce data, analytics and insight to support strategic decision‑making.
- Experience preparing Board papers and presenting at senior governance forums.
- Strong change leadership, project management and organisational development skills.
- Experience supporting succession planning, leadership development and workforce sustainability.
- Chartered CIPD membership, or equivalent professional status.
- Relevant postgraduate qualification (Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma) or equivalent professional experience.
Why Work With Us?
Ark is a values‑driven housing and social care organisation dedicated to improving lives.
This role offers the chance to shape how Ark supports, develops and engages its people for the future.
Benefits
- A 4‑day working week with no loss of pay.
- Hybrid working.
- A generous annual leave allowance, with additional leave awarded as your service grows.
- 4% contributory pension.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- Employee discounts, access to Blue Light Card and Cycle to Work scheme.
- Annual leave buy and sell options.
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Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development in Edinburgh employer: ARK Housing Association Ltd
Ark Housing Association Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. With flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and generous benefits including up to 36 days of paid holiday and a contributory pension scheme, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance and professional growth. Located in the picturesque Blairgowrie, the organisation fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding employment in the community.
Contact Details:
ARK Housing Association Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development in Edinburgh
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at ARK Housing Association Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to ARK Housing Association Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
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Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to ARK Housing Association Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK Housing Association Ltd
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with ARK Housing Association Ltd.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at ARK Housing Association Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact ARK Housing Association Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
