Head of People in London

Head of People in London

London Full-Time 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape the People strategy and enhance organisational capability in a dynamic healthcare environment.
  • Company: Join a patient-centred, people-driven healthcare group making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a corporate bonus scheme, pension contributions, and support for your professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of an executive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Lead impactful people initiatives and drive meaningful change in a thriving organisation.
  • Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of workforce legislation required.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

Overview

In this role you will shape the People strategy and strengthen organisational capability across SELDOC Healthcare and Verve Healthcare.

You will lead a hands-on People function, aligning people initiatives with business priorities and growth.

You will coach managers to become effective leaders while supporting employees and off‑payroll staff.

You will drive improvements through workforce feedback, technology, and strategic risk management, contributing to the executive leadership agenda.

This is a mission‑critical, high‑impact role in a patient‑centred, people‑driven healthcare group.

  • Pay / Benefits
  • corporate bonus scheme
  • defined contribution pension
  • equity after 12 months
  • support for professional development
  • career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver the People Strategy and workforce development plans aligned with business priorities
  • Lead a comprehensive People service covering recruitment, contracts, onboarding, development, performance, reward and retention
  • Oversee payroll, appraisals and absence management processes
  • Provide expert guidance on employment legislation, off payroll working, employee relations, TUPE and organisational change
  • Support and develop managers to handle people matters effectively
  • Turn workforce feedback and staff surveys into meaningful improvements
  • Enhance People systems and processes through effective use of technology
  • Contribute to organisational strategy, risk management and decision‑making as a member of the Executive Leadership Team
  • Potential involvement in on‑call director rota to support urgent service operations
  • Key requirements
  • Proven experience leading a People/HR team to deliver business outcomes in an organisation with annual revenues of at least 5 million
  • Senior leadership experience in organisations with multimillion‑pound revenues
  • Experience developing and delivering workforce development plans aligned with business strategy
  • Strong experience across core People functions (recruitment, employee relations, performance management, TUPE, organisational change)
  • Up-to-date knowledge of relevant workforce legislation
  • CIPD Level 7, Chartered Membership or equivalent with a current professional qualification
  • Understanding of healthcare/NHS operations and drivers of operational decisions
  • Ability to build relationships with senior colleagues and lead effectively
  • Effective leadership
  • Relationship building with senior stakeholders
  • Strategic thinking with practical delivery
  • HR systems and technology
  • Payroll processes
  • Workforce legislation compliance

Head of People in London employer: National Health Service

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.

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Contact Details:

National Health Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of People in London

✨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 National Health Service!

✨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 National Health Service.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in London

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Organizational Skills
Teamwork
Time Management
Compassion

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 National Health Service. 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 National Health Service 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 National Health Service. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National Health Service'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 National Health Service

✨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 National Health Service.

✨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 National Health Service 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 National Health Service and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.