At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and support organisational development at Ark.
- Company: Join Ark, a values-driven housing and social care organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a pivotal moment in an organisation committed to social purpose.
- Why this job: Shape the future of workforce strategy and make a real impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 56097 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: £57,696.82 per annum + £4564.80 per annum car allowance
Hours: 32 hours per week (full-time)
Location: Hybrid Lochside, Edinburgh, EH12 9DT
Contract: Permanent
A senior People role involving:
- Providing strategic and professional advice to the Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Management
- Leading People Services, Talent
- Overseeing workforce planning, succession planning and leadership capability development
- Leading workforce analytics, people dashboards and evidence-based reporting
- Supporting organisational change, continuous improvement and digital transformation
- Providing strategic oversight of employee relations, employment law and regulatory compliance
- Supporting recruitment, retention and workforce sustainability across Ark
- Ensuring key corporate priorities are met, including the implementation of Employment Hero (Ark's new HR and Pay platform)
- Preparing and presenting papers, reports and workforce insights for senior governance forums
About You:
We are looking for someone who brings:
- A 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
- 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
- A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as a Masters degree or Postgraduate Diploma, or equivalent professional experience
Most importantly, you will be a visible, inclusive and values-driven leader who can build trust, influence effectively and support others to deliver excellent outcomes. You will bring professional credibility, sound judgement and the ability to balance strategic ambition with practical delivery.
Why Work With Us?
At Ark, you will join an organisation with a clear social purpose and a genuine commitment to improving lives. You will also join us at a pivotal moment. With a new five-year Workforce Strategy launching and a new organisation-wide Business Plan in development, this role offers the opportunity to shape how Ark supports, develops and engages its people for the future.
Benefits include:
- 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
Ark is a values-driven housing and social care organisation. We aim to create inclusive communities where people can live with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging and that starts with how we treat our colleagues.
CVs will not be accepted. Applications close at 5pm on 6th August 2026. Interviews will be held on 18th August 2026.
Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development in Edinburgh employer: ARK Housing Association
At Ark, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of our staff. With a hybrid working model based in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, we offer a supportive work culture that fosters inclusivity and personal growth, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the housing and social care sector while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with our innovative 4-day working week.
