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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to shape and deliver an innovative People Strategy.
- Company: Join Great Places Housing Group, a values-led not-for-profit housing association.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £95,000 plus benefits and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and drive positive change in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Senior-level people leadership experience and CIPD qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 95000 £ per year.
As a values‑led organisation with customers at our heart, Great Places Housing Group is driven by a clear and compelling vision: Great homes, Great communities and Great people. Could you be our exceptional new Director of People, helping us realise our bold ambitions and ensuring our people and culture continue to drive our success?
Great Places is a not‑for‑profit housing association, owning and managing over 27,000 homes across the North West and South Yorkshire. Far more than a landlord, we work in partnership to deliver a wide range of services that help people and communities to thrive. As a strategic partner of Homes England, we are one of the leading developing housing associations in the North and will deliver over 5,000 new affordable homes through the current Affordable Homes Programme. With more than 1,000 colleagues across four regional offices, we are ambitious, progressive and deeply rooted in social purpose.
Reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer, the Director of People will lead a high‑performing team of approximately 30 HR, OD and L&D professionals. You will shape and deliver our progressive People Strategy that supports our ambitions, strengthens leadership capability and embeds an inclusive, positive and high‑performance culture. As a key member of our senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring Great Places continues to be recognised as an innovative employer delivering empathetic, consistent and high‑quality services.
You will bring senior‑level people leadership experience from a regulated environment (housing sector experience is desirable) and this could be your first or next Director‑level role. CIPD qualified, you will be a collaborative, pragmatic and values‑driven leader, with a proven track record of delivering impactful people and change programmes. You will be solutions‑focused, influential and deeply committed to diversity, equality and inclusion.
We warmly welcome applications from people of all identities, backgrounds and cultures and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self.
To apply, please download the candidate pack by clicking the ‘Apply’ button.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 1 June 2026
Director of People employer: Essence Mediacom
Contact Detail:
Essence Mediacom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since Great Places is all about community and inclusivity, think of examples from your past that showcase your commitment to these principles. We want to see how you align with their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! As a potential Director of People, it’s crucial to demonstrate how you’ve led teams effectively in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented that fostered a positive and high-performance culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Great Places team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of creating great homes and communities.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Director of People role. Highlight your relevant experience in people leadership and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive change and foster a positive culture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Be sure to address how your skills and experiences align with our needs, and don’t forget to mention your commitment to diversity and inclusion!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team at Great Places!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essence Mediacom
✨Know Your Values
Great Places Housing Group is all about values and culture. Make sure you understand their mission of 'Great homes, Great communities and Great people'. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a potential Director of People, you'll need to demonstrate your senior-level leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams, implemented change programmes, and fostered an inclusive culture in previous roles. This will show them you're the right fit for their high-performing team.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
They’re looking for someone who is pragmatic and solutions-focused. Think of challenges you've faced in HR or people management and how you overcame them. Presenting these scenarios will highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to drive impactful change.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity, equality, and inclusion are key to their ethos. Be prepared to discuss your commitment to these principles and share any initiatives you've led or been part of that promote a diverse workplace. This will resonate well with their values-driven approach.