At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the people strategy for a growing charity, influencing culture and leadership.
- Company: Join an inspiring UK charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flex Fridays, enhanced leave policies, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal moment in a charity's growth and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or above with senior HR leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a people function from scratch in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 57500 - 62500 ÂŁ per year.
About the Organisation
Goodman Masson are thrilled to be exclusively partnering with a truly inspiring, fast-growing UK charity making a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day. With a current headcount of just over 50 (and plans to grow to around 60 by the end of the year), this is an incredibly exciting time to join. The organisation is scaling thoughtfully, investing in its people, and strengthening its culture as it enters its next phase of development. This is a rare opportunity to step into a first‑ever Head of People role, giving you real scope to shape strategy, influence leadership, and leave a lasting impact.
The Opportunity
This newly created Head of People position blends strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery, offering autonomy and visibility across the organisation. Reporting to the Operations Director and managing an HR Manager, you’ll take ownership of the full people agenda — from designing a forward‑looking strategy to embedding inclusive, high‑performing practices across the charity. You’ll be a key member of the senior leadership landscape, acting as a trusted advisor while ensuring the organisation’s people approach evolves in line with its growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a 3‑year People Strategy aligned to organisational growth
- Lead workforce and succession planning as the charity scales
- Drive and embed a meaningful EDI strategy across recruitment and culture
- Sit on SMT and ensure accountability
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on all people‑related matters
- Lead on complex employee relations cases and provide expert guidance
- Build leadership capability by coaching and developing line managers
- Oversee HR policies, processes, and systems ensuring compliance and consistency
- Use people data and insights to inform decision‑making and continuous improvement
- Champion a high‑performance, inclusive and values‑led culture
- Line manage and develop the HR Manager
Essential Experience:
- CIPD Level 5 (minimum) – Level 7 desirable
- Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role, including managing HR staff
- Strong track record of developing and implementing People Strategies
- Experience delivering impactful EDI initiatives
- SMT experience
- Confidence handling complex ER cases
- Ability to coach and upskill managers in performance and people management
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Comfortable working independently in a standalone leadership role
Highly desirable:
- Experience in a small or growing charity / mission‑driven organisation
- Background in organisational growth, transformation, or scaling environments
What’s on Offer
- Hybrid working (2 days in London office)
- Core hours: 10am – 4pm
- Flex Fridays (every other Friday off)
- 22 days annual leave + Christmas closure + birthday leave
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to therapy and wellbeing support
Why Apply?
This is more than just a Head of People role — it’s a chance to:
- Build and shape a people function from the ground up
- Join a purpose‑driven organisation doing genuinely impactful work
- Play a key role in scaling a growing charity at a pivotal moment
- Influence culture, strategy, and leadership at the highest level
Head of HR employer: Goodman Masson Limited
Contact Detail:
Goodman Masson Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working in charities or HR roles. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you tailor your answers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Head of People. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and any successful initiatives you've led in the past. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of People role. Highlight your experience in developing People Strategies and managing HR teams, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your impact in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for working in a charity and how your values align with ours. Don’t forget to mention your experience with EDI initiatives and how you can contribute to our culture.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can influence and lead. In your application, highlight instances where you’ve coached managers or led complex employee relations cases. This will show us you’re ready for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodman Masson Limited
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Goodman Masson and their mission. Understand their values and how they impact their people strategy. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare Your People Strategy Insights
As a candidate for the Head of People role, be ready to discuss your vision for a 3-year People Strategy. Think about how you would approach workforce planning and EDI initiatives. Bring specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to drive impactful change.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so be prepared to share your approach to coaching and developing line managers. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced senior leaders or managed complex employee relations cases, as these will highlight your capability in a standalone leadership position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the current challenges the organisation faces in scaling and how they envision the Head of People contributing to their growth. This shows your strategic thinking and eagerness to be part of their journey.