At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the people strategy to drive organisational growth and culture.
- Company: Values-driven organisation focused on employee wellbeing and positive workplace culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with significant strategic influence and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on workforce planning and organisational change initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of UK employment legislation.
The predicted salary is between 51648 - 63126 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic HR leader to join a values-driven organisation as Head of People & Development. This is a pivotal senior leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering an ambitious people strategy that supports organisational growth, workforce sustainability, employee wellbeing, and a positive workplace culture.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will play a key role in influencing organisational direction, driving people-focused initiatives, and ensuring the organisation continues to operate within a robust, compliant, and high-performing people framework. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact across workforce planning, organisational development, employee relations, leadership development, and HR transformation.
As Head of People & Development, you will provide strategic leadership across the full people agenda, ensuring the organisation's people strategy aligns with wider business objectives and future workforce requirements. Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the People & Development strategy and workforce planning initiatives across the organisation
- Providing expert strategic advice to senior leadership on people, culture, organisational development, and workforce challenges
- Driving key workforce projects and organisational change initiatives
- Championing wellbeing, culture, inclusion, and values-based leadership
- Overseeing all areas of HR governance, compliance, safeguarding requirements, and employment legislation
- Ensuring HR policies and processes remain compliant, effective, and aligned with best practice
- Leading on complex employee relations matters, acting as a senior decision-maker and advisor on high-risk cases
- Managing relationships with recognised trade unions and leading on collective consultation and strategic employee relations matters
- Developing an attractive employer brand to support recruitment and talent attraction
- Designing and implementing leadership and management development programmes
- Maximising the use of HR systems and people analytics to inform decision-making and workforce strategy
- Driving collaboration between HR and Finance to enhance reporting, workforce planning, and organisational insight
- Managing and developing the People & Development team, ensuring operational excellence and a high-quality employee experience
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced senior HR professional with a proven track record of leading people strategies within complex organisations. You will bring:
- Significant experience in a senior HR leadership role
- Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation, HR best practice, and safeguarding requirements
- Demonstrable experience managing complex employee relations and organisational change matters
- Expertise in workforce planning, talent strategy, and organisational development
- Experience working effectively with recognised trade unions and managing union relationships
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility at executive and senior leadership level
- Experience delivering culture, wellbeing, and engagement initiatives
- Strong analytical skills with experience using HR systems and people data to drive decision-making
- Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building capabilities
- A collaborative, proactive, and values-driven approach
In return, you will have the opportunity to join an organisation where people are at the heart of its success. You'll benefit from:
- A senior leadership position with significant strategic influence
- The opportunity to shape organisational culture and workforce strategy
- A varied and impactful role covering the full spectrum of People & Development
- The chance to lead meaningful organisational change and development initiatives
- A supportive and values-led working environment
- Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
- A competitive salary and benefits package
If you are an experienced Head of People, Senior People Partner, or People & Development Leader seeking an opportunity to influence strategy, drive culture, and lead a high-performing people function, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion to find out more about this exceptional opportunity.
Head of People and Development employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People and Development
✨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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
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 Hays!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People and Development
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 Hays. 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 Hays 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 Hays. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays'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 Hays
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays 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.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
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 Hays and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
