At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR and culture initiatives to create an inclusive, high-performing environment at British Rowing.
- Company: Join British Rowing, a values-driven organisation committed to teamwork, respect, and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and the chance to shape organisational culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with the CEO and Executive Team in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives and foster a thriving workplace culture.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in senior HR roles with strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 63000 £ per year.
Our Values
British Rowing is a values-driven organisation, proud to represent a sport built on teamwork, respect, integrity, ambition and inclusion. We believe people perform at their best when they feel safe, valued, supported and inspired.
We are seeking a values-led, compassionate and courageous HR leader who will champion our people, lead with kindness, and help us build an inclusive, high-performing culture where everyone can thrive. This role will play a central part in shaping how it feels to work at British Rowing ensuring our values are lived every day, not simply stated.
British Rowing is home to a committed and talented workforce. The Head of HR & Culture plays a pivotal role in enabling our people and organisation to flourish. Working closely with the CEO and Executive Team, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, pragmatic and progressive HR services for over 80 employees across two sites and a remote workforce. You will also provide strategic leadership of our organisational culture programme, helping to shape behaviours, ways of working and leadership capability that support long-term success.
This is a highly visible role that blends strategic leadership, hands-on delivery and cultural stewardship. You will be the trusted expert on people matters, a coach to leaders, and a champion for inclusion, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Culture Leadership
- Lead and evolve British Rowing's people and culture strategy in line with organisational objectives and values.
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to shape a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.
- Act as a role model for values-led leadership, psychological safety and respectful behaviours.
- Support culture change initiatives, employee engagement programmes and organisational development activity.
- HR Leadership & Operations
- Lead employee relations casework including performance, attendance, disciplinary, grievance and wellbeing matters.
- Provide expert, pragmatic and timely HR advice to staff and managers across the organisation.
- Ensure HR policies, procedures and practices are up-to-date, legally compliant and consistently applied.
- Monitor and brief the organisation on changes in employment legislation and best practice.
- Talent & Performance
- Oversee recruitment and selection processes, ensuring fair, inclusive and effective hiring practices.
- Lead the annual performance review process and support managers to deliver meaningful performance conversations.
- Strengthen induction, onboarding and probation processes to ensure a positive employee experience.
- Support learning and development activity, leadership development and succession planning.
- Systems, Governance & Partnerships
- Own and continually improve HR systems, data, processes and records.
- Work closely with Finance to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery.
- Manage relationships with external HR, legal and occupational health providers as required.
- Lead on Investor in People accreditation and related improvement activity.
- Engagement & Accessibility
- Build strong, trusted relationships with Directors, managers and staff.
- Run regular HR clinics (online, Hammersmith and Caversham).
- Act as a visible, approachable presence across the organisation.
This list is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive, as there may be other duties and requirements associated with the post, which British Rowing may call upon the post-holder to perform from time to time.
A bit about you
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant experience (typically 8 years) in a senior HR or people role.
- Proven experience providing both strategic and operational HR leadership.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Strong organisational and planning skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- A hands-on, pragmatic practitioner with a strong bias for action.
- Ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
Desirable
- CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience.
- Experience leading organisational culture or change programmes.
- Experience within sport, charity or membership-based organisations.
Mandatory Requirements
What we offer
Additional Information
Anti-Doping
The post-holder is expected to comply with the core requirements of the WADA Anti-Doping Code and its requirement on Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel to set a good personal example in this field. When directly working with coaches and athletes the post-holder has a responsibility to inform them appropriately of the Code's application to them and to influence them in following a Clean Sport culture. The postholder will be expected to hold a current Clean Sport certificate relevant to the role they hold, and/or attend a Clean Sport induction provided by British Rowing.
Hours
Standard working hours are 9:00–17:00. Monday to Friday. Flexibility is required to meet organisational needs. This role will be 4 days a week, Salary £45k (FTE £56,250).
How to apply
Submit the application form alongside a CV and cover letter, outlining your suitability for the role. Applications close at Midnight on 27th February.
Head of HR and Culture in London employer: British Rowing
British Rowing is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the stunning Dorney Lake, where employees can engage in meaningful operations that directly contribute to the safety and enjoyment of rowing activities. With a strong emphasis on employee development through comprehensive training in health and safety practices, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and community engagement. The role provides unique opportunities to work in a premier sporting venue, making it an attractive choice for those passionate about water safety and operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR and Culture in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at British Rowing on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Head of HR and Culture role. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by aligning your values with those of British Rowing. Think about how your past experiences reflect teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to these values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, discuss how you've successfully led culture change initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you align with British Rowing’s values can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR and Culture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Values:Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with British Rowing's. We want to see that you embody teamwork, respect, integrity, ambition, and inclusion in your experiences and approach.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! We recommend customising it to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Head of HR and Culture role. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led HR initiatives or cultural change in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and know how to navigate online processes!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Know the Values Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand British Rowing's values: teamwork, respect, integrity, ambition, and inclusion. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you've embodied these values in your work. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific HR situations, especially around employee relations and culture change. Prepare by thinking through real-life scenarios where you've successfully navigated similar challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Head of HR and Culture, it's crucial to articulate your leadership style. Be ready to discuss how you lead with kindness and inclusivity, and provide examples of how you've fostered a positive workplace culture in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see you as a role model for their values-led leadership.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. Inquire about their current culture initiatives or how they measure employee engagement. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the organisation aligns with your values and vision.
