At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape Ark's People & OD strategy while fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
- Company: Join a values-driven housing and social care organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, hybrid working, generous leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal moment in shaping workforce strategies for a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in People, HR or OD roles with strong strategic and compliance knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 57696 - 57696 £ per year.
A senior People & OD leadership role, with a 4-day working week and the influence to shape Ark’s future. At Ark, 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. We are seeking an Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development to provide leadership across our People and workforce functions. This is a key role at an exciting time, as we launch a new Workforce Strategy and Business Plan. You will help shape our culture, develop workforce capability and ensure we have the people and systems needed to deliver our long-term ambitions.
About The Role
This is a strategic and hands‑on leadership role with significant influence across the organisation. You will help shape how Ark attracts, develops, supports and retains its people, while ensuring our systems, policies and practices are inclusive, compliant and fit for the future. Our corporate services roles are based on a 4-day working week, with no loss of pay. We believe this supports focused time, healthier workloads and more sustainable performance, helping colleagues do their best work while maintaining balance.
As a member of Ark’s Senior Leadership Team, you will provide leadership across People Services, Talent & Engagement, Learning & Organisational Development, workforce planning, employee relations and people systems. You will play a pivotal role in delivering Ark’s new five‑year Workforce Strategy, helping to translate strategic priorities into clear plans, measurable outcomes and meaningful improvements across the employee lifecycle.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll be involved in things like:
- Leading the delivery of Ark’s People & OD and Workforce Strategy priorities;
- Providing strategic and professional advice to the Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Management;
- Leading People Services, Talent & Engagement, Learning & OD and workforce functions;
- 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 People & OD systems, processes and governance are robust, effective and future‑focused;
- Supporting key corporate priorities, 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’re 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, 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;
- A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as a Master’s 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. As Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development, you will lead a function that is central to Ark’s resilience, culture and long‑term success.
Benefits
We offer:
- 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.
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.
Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development in Edinburgh employer: Arkha
Ark is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. Located in the supportive rural communities of Grangemouth and Alloa, we foster a collaborative work culture where employees are valued and encouraged to grow through comprehensive training and development opportunities. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive pay, statutory leave, and the strong sense of purpose that comes from helping others achieve their dreams.
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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Arkha!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Arkha.
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 Arkha. 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 Arkha 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.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Arkha. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Arkha'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 Arkha
✨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 Arkha.
✨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!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Arkha 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.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
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 Arkha and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
