At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and support people management in the Defence team.
- Company: Mace, a dynamic construction consultancy redefining ambition.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, flexible working options, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR roles with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.
We are looking for an experienced People Lead to join our Defence team in Reading. Working with business leaders and the leadership team on an operational basis, providing advice in all areas of HR with a focus on the operational delivery of the HR requirements and delivering activity as detailed in the annual organisational and people plans.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Acting as the People Lead for the business unit, partnering with senior leaders to shape and deliver people strategy.
- Providing expert advice and guidance to line managers on HR policies, employee relations, and people management best practice.
- Leading the delivery of core people activities, including performance management, employee relations, engagement and retention.
- Supporting workforce planning, including mobilisation and demobilisation, aligned to business and project requirements.
- Working closely with Talent Attraction to enable effective recruitment and hiring outcomes.
- Partnering with Reward to deliver annual salary reviews and ensure alignment with the career framework.
- Driving talent management and career development initiatives in collaboration with Talent, Development and Inclusion teams.
- Leading onboarding approaches to ensure a consistent and positive new joiner experience.
- Supporting and embedding engagement and retention initiatives aligned to company values and behaviours.
- Using people data and insights to inform decision making and improve business performance.
- Supporting organisational change and transformation initiatives within the business unit.
You’ll need to have:
- Proven experience in a People Lead / HR Business Partner / HR Manager role within a generalist environment.
- Strong expertise in employee relations and applications of HR policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior stakeholders.
- Experience delivering people strategy alongside operational HR activity.
- Strong communications and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in workforce planning, recruitment and talent development.
- Experience supporting organisational change and transformation.
- Previous experience working as an HR Manager in a generalist role or equivalent in an HR SME area.
- Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) and CIPD membership.
Our values:
- Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
- Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
- Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
- Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation. We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.
People Lead – Defence employer: Mace
Mace is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, particularly in the Defence team based in Reading. With a strong commitment to safety, integrity, and client focus, Mace fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous improvement and offers ample opportunities for career growth. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, alongside flexible working options to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Lead – Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Mace. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing our values inside out. Show us how you embody safety, client focus, integrity, and creating opportunities. We love candidates who align with our culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in HR, influenced stakeholders, or driven change. We want to hear your journey!
✨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 serious about joining our team at Mace.
We think you need these skills to ace People Lead – Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the People Lead role. Highlight your HR expertise, especially in employee relations and strategy delivery, to show us you’re the right fit for our Defence team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your values align with ours. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders or led successful HR initiatives.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved engagement, retention, or any other relevant HR outcomes. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Mace!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mace
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Mace's values and how they align with your own experiences. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or delivered people strategies in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Prepare to talk about your experience in employee relations and HR policies. Think of scenarios where you’ve navigated complex situations and how you can apply that knowledge to support Mace’s operational delivery and people management best practices.
✨Engagement is Key
Mace values engagement and retention, so come equipped with ideas on how to enhance these areas. Share any initiatives you've led that improved team morale or retention rates, and be ready to discuss how you would implement similar strategies at Mace.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Familiarise yourself with the importance of using people data to inform decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you've used insights from data in the past to drive performance improvements and support organisational change.