Deputy Director of People, Culture & OD

Deputy Director of People, Culture & OD

Temporary 80000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cpl Life Sciences

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead people strategy and drive organisational transformation in a cultural institution.
  • Company: Join a nationally significant cultural organisation with a rich collection of books.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent public sector benefits, and a flexible work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Shape an inclusive, high-performing culture and make a real impact on people's lives.
  • Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience with a focus on employee relations and organisational change.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced senior HR leader looking to shape the people strategy of one of the UK's leading cultural organisations?

I am working with a nationally significant cultural institution that preserves, develops and provides access to one of the world's most important collections of books.

They have an ambitious vision for the future, they are looking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Director of People, Culture & Organisational Development on a 12-month FTC to help lead organisational transformation and build an inclusive, high-performing culture.

This is a key strategic leadership role, reporting to the Senior Director of People, Culture & Organisational Development and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team.

You will provide leadership across Employee Relations, HR Business Partnering, Reward and People Policy, ensuring the organisation continues to attract, develop and retain talented people while delivering a modern, customer-focused people service.

The Deputy Director of People, Culture & Organisational Development role is paying £80,000 - £90,000 per annum accompanied by an excellent public sector benefits package.

The role is located in King\'s Cross, where they go into the office 2-days per week.

Some of the key responsibilities of the role include

  • Providing strategic leadership and advice to Executive leaders on employee relations, workforce planning, reward, organisational design and people policy.
  • Leading the Employee Relations, HR Business Partnering and Reward teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused people services across the organisation.
  • Driving organisational change and transformation programmes, ensuring the workforce has the capability and skills to deliver future priorities.
  • Leading on complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes while protecting organisational reputation.
  • Developing workforce planning, talent management, succession planning and leadership development initiatives to strengthen organisational capability.
  • Championing an inclusive, collaborative culture by embedding organisational values, promoting wellbeing and enhancing employee engagement.
  • Overseeing reward, pay, pensions and benefits, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, governance requirements and best practice.
  • Contributing as a senior organisational leader, managing budgets and resources effectively while representing the organisation externally with key stakeholders and partners.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced senior HR professional with a strong track record of leading people strategy within a large, complex organisation, ideally within the public, cultural, education or wider not-for-profit sectors.

You will be a collaborative and influential leader, with significant experience in employee relations, organisational change, workforce planning and developing high-performing teams.

A strong understanding of employment law, governance and strategic HR leadership is essential, alongside a genuine commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The interview process will consist of two stages, with the final stage taking place in person. They are looking to have someone in post by September 2026.

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Deputy Director of People, Culture & OD employer: Cpl Life Sciences

Cpl Life Sciences is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the vibrant streaming and entertainment sector. Employees benefit from immediate project impact opportunities, comprehensive training, and career growth in a cloud-oriented environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their skills in data engineering while working with cutting-edge technologies.

Cpl Life Sciences

Contact Details:

Cpl Life Sciences Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of People, Culture & OD

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

Network at HR Events and Workshops

Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!

Showcase Your Flexibility

In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Cpl Life Sciences and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of People, Culture & OD

Strategic Leadership
Employee Relations
HR Business Partnering
Workforce Planning
Organisational Design
People Policy
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Cpl Life Sciences. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cpl Life Sciences

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Cpl Life Sciences, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Cpl Life Sciences uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Cpl Life Sciences.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Cpl Life Sciences.