Director of people and culture
Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Salary £70,000 - £80,000 depending on experience
Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.
Achieving that ambition means building the leadership, capability and culture that enable our people to do their best work.
We’re looking for a director of people and culture who can connect strategic ambition with practical delivery, creating an environment where colleagues feel supported, take ownership and work together to make a greater difference for people affected by kidney disease.
About the role
Reporting to our chief operating officer, you’ll lead an integrated People and Culture function spanning people strategy, leadership development, talent, employee experience, internal communications and reliable HR services.
You’ll translate our ambitions into sustainable workforce and capability plans, strengthen management practice and bring our values of Ambition, Bravery, Passion and Unity to life in everyday decisions and behaviours.
Working with leaders across the charity, you’ll:
- Shape and deliver a people strategy that connects workforce planning, organisational design, development and succession
- Build an inclusive, values-led culture grounded in trust, collaboration, constructive challenge and psychological safety
- Lead our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, turning commitments into practical action and measurable outcomes
- Develop fair and sustainable approaches to reward, recognition, wellbeing and employee experience
- Strengthen performance management, internal communications and employee voice, ensuring feedback leads to visible action
- Maintain strong HR operations, employment practice and people-risk management, using data and insight to improve services and inform decisions
You’ll provide trusted advice and constructive challenge to the Executive team, Board and relevant committees, while leading and developing the People and Culture team.
About you
You’ll bring significant senior leadership experience across people strategy, culture and HR, combining organisation-wide development with accountability for dependable core services.
You’ll have a track record of strengthening leadership and management capability, supporting organisational change and translating strategic priorities into affordable, practical people plans. Your professional grounding will span employment practice, employee relations, recruitment, reward, performance management, inclusion and wellbeing.
An approachable and inclusive leader, you’ll build trust, listen carefully and challenge with confidence and care. You’ll use people data and employee insight to shape decisions, demonstrate progress and equip managers to take ownership.
You’ll hold a CIPD qualification or offer equivalent professional expertise and substantial relevant experience. Experience within a charity, health, research, public-sector or similarly complex stakeholder environment is desirable.
Why join us?
Joining Kidney Research UK means becoming part of Team Kidney: a community of colleagues, volunteers, researchers, patients and supporters working together to transform kidney health.
This is an opportunity to shape how our people work, develop and succeed—and connect that contribution to a purpose that matters.
If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community. Please note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date: Monday 30 November 2026 at 12 noon. We may extend the closing date, but please apply as soon as possible.
Telephone interviews will be held week commencing 30 November 2026 and interviews will be held in person, week commencing 7 December 2026 in our Peterborough office.
No agencies please
Director of people and culture in Peterborough employer: Kidney Research UK
Kidney Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and work-life balance. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a pension scheme, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by kidney disease while enjoying opportunities for growth and collaboration within a passionate team.
