At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people agenda and shape the future of housing.
- Company: Join the Chartered Institute of Housing, a champion for better housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, private healthcare, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on diversity, inclusion, and making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on organisational strategy and empower talented teams.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with a track record in change management and people strategies.
The predicted salary is between 64676 - 64676 £ per year.
Lead the people agenda for the professional body shaping the future of housing. The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards. As a membership organisation and registered charity, we support more than 19,000 housing professionals across 20 countries, championing better housing through professional excellence, learning, and influence. Our purpose is clear: to support housing professionals to create a future in which everyone has a place to call home.
As we continue to evolve and deliver our strategic ambitions, we're looking for an outstanding Head of People to join our Senior Management Group (SMG) and help shape the next chapter of our organisation. This is a rare opportunity to influence organisational strategy, strengthen leadership capability and ensure our people are equipped to deliver our ambitious corporate objectives. Working closely with the Director of finance, commercial and corporate services and the Executive Team, you'll play a pivotal role in building an organisation that's fit for the future.
What you'll be here to achieve:
- Leading a small, dedicated People team, you'll develop a modern, responsive and commercially aware People service that empowers managers and creates the conditions for colleagues to perform at their best.
- You'll strengthen leadership capability, ensure CIH has the talent, skills and organisational capability needed for future success, and lead organisational change that enables colleagues and the organisation to thrive.
About you:
- You'll be an experienced senior HR leader who enjoys operating at both strategic and operational levels.
- Comfortable working with executive leaders and influencing across the organisation, you'll bring credibility, commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge constructively while building trusted relationships.
- You'll have a proven track record of leading change, developing leaders and delivering people strategies that improve organisational performance.
- You'll believe that exceptional organisations are built through outstanding leadership, empowered people and a culture of accountability.
- Experience within a membership body, charity, not-for-profit or purpose-led organisation would be advantageous, but above all we're looking for someone who shares our commitment to making a meaningful difference through people.
Why join CIH?
At CIH, collaboration, mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence are at the heart of how we work together. You'll join a supportive SMG that recognises the strategic value of its people and the role that effective leadership plays in organisational success. You'll have the opportunity to shape our people agenda, develop a talented team and make a lasting contribution to an organisation with a clear social purpose.
If you're looking for a role where your ideas will shape organisational strategy, your leadership will strengthen organisational capability and your work will make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Next steps:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sue Leppington, Director of finance, commercial and corporate services, by email at sue.leppington@cih.org. To apply, please visit the CIH Careers page at https://www.cih.org/about-us/careers/.
Closing date: noon on 27th July 2026. Interviews: Week commencing 3rd August 2026. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised date should sufficient applications be received. The Chartered Institute of Housing is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will happily discuss any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process.
Head of people in Coventry employer: Chartered Institute of Housing
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence within its supportive Senior Management Group. Located in Coventry, CIH offers a hybrid working model, generous benefits including a pension scheme and private healthcare, and the opportunity to lead impactful organisational change in a purpose-driven environment dedicated to improving housing standards. Join us to shape the future of housing while fostering your professional growth in a role that truly makes a difference.
Contact Details:
Chartered Institute of Housing Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of people in Coventry
✨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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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 Chartered Institute of Housing!
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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 Chartered Institute of Housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of people in Coventry
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 Chartered Institute of Housing. 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 Chartered Institute of Housing 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 Chartered Institute of Housing. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Chartered Institute of Housing'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 Chartered Institute of Housing
✨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 Chartered Institute of Housing.
✨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 Chartered Institute of Housing 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 Chartered Institute of Housing and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
