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- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and shape a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Values-driven organisation empowering co-operative enterprises.
- Benefits: Flexible working, pension scheme, discounted travel, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people’s lives and foster inclusivity.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience in HR leadership.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to fairness and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 48985 - 48985 £ per year.
We are delighted to share this new and exciting opportunity for a Head of People to join a values-driven and dynamic organisation.
Location: Manchester
Salary: £48,985 per annum (pro rata to 21 hours - £29,391)
Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week (21 hours)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Hybrid working, with at least 1 day per week in the Manchester office
Closing Date: Midnight, Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 27 January 2026, in Manchester
Benefits: Flexible working options, pension scheme, discounted travel to work schemes, employee wellbeing assistance programme including free eye tests, personal and professional growth and development including coaching, trade union.
We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable candidate be found before this date. Applicants must apply via the application form on our website - CVs cannot be accepted.
About the role:
As Head of People, you will lead all people-related activity across the organisation, providing practical and professional HR leadership. Reporting to the Shared Services Lead, you will drive the delivery of the People Plan, ensuring people practices reflect co-operative values and support strategic goals. This role offers the opportunity to shape organisational culture, support senior leaders and help create an inclusive, engaging workplace where people can thrive.
Key responsibilities:
- HR leadership and delivery
- To lead the organisation's HR function, managing internal HR resource and external providers where required.
- To support the CEO, Shared Services Lead and Leadership Team in developing and delivering the People Plan, ensuring practical implementation and measurable progress.
- To advise and support the Leadership Team on workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, performance and wellbeing.
- To develop and maintain fair, transparent and financially sustainable pay, grading and reward structures aligned with organisational values.
- To prepare and present HR reports and papers to the Leadership Team, Board and Committees, including the Remuneration Committee.
- To support the Remuneration Committee with expert HR advice, including the development of appraisal processes for senior roles.
Policy, compliance and governance
- To ensure HR policies are up to date, legally compliant and aligned with co-operative values.
- To support effective HR governance, including reporting, risk management and equality impact assessments.
- To lead regular policy reviews and staff consultation, ensuring consistent and fair application across the organisation.
Organisational development and culture
- To work closely with the Shared Services Lead and Leadership Team to foster a positive, collaborative and values-led culture.
- To coordinate and deliver learning and development programmes that build organisational capability.
- To support internal communications and engagement activity that strengthens trust and collaboration.
Employee relations and HR operations
- To line manage the HR Coordinator, ensuring delivery against organisational priorities.
- To provide professional HR advice to managers on employee relations, recruitment and performance matters, seeking legal advice where appropriate.
- To maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions, ensuring effective consultation.
- To oversee recruitment, onboarding and exit processes, ensuring a positive and inclusive employee experience.
- To ensure accurate HR records are maintained and confidential information is handled appropriately.
About you:
To be successful in this role, you will be passionate about people, values-driven leadership, and creating inclusive and supportive workplaces. You will bring:
- A Level 7 CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
- Proven experience as an HR Manager or similar senior HR role, ideally within a values-led or membership organisation
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience developing and delivering people strategies that support organisational growth
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- The ability to manage sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion
About the organisation:
As the voice of the UK's co-operative movement, we empower and support co-operative enterprises with specialised knowledge and expertise, to grow the co-operative economy and create a fairer society. From football clubs and farms to convenience stores and pubs, there are more than 7,000 co-operatives in the UK, each owned and controlled by their members and based on a set of shared principles and values. As an organisation we are led by our unwavering values of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty, therefore if you share these core values, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Other roles you may have experience in could include Head of HR, HR Manager, People and Culture Lead, Senior HR Business Partner, Director of People, or HR Lead.
Head of People employer: NFP People
Contact Detail:
NFP People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation's values and culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common HR leadership questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for people! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've fostered inclusive workplaces or driven successful people strategies. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a values-driven organisation like ours.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for People: When writing your application, let your passion for people and values-driven leadership shine through. We want to see how you can create inclusive and supportive workplaces, so share your experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Head of People role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR management and how it aligns with our co-operative values. This will help us see why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to fill out the application form there. Don’t send us your CV, as we won’t be able to consider it. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to understand the core values of the organisation. As a Head of People, you'll need to align your leadership style with their principles of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty. Be ready to discuss how your own values resonate with theirs.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Prepare to highlight your experience in HR management, especially in developing people strategies that support organisational growth. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR policies or led initiatives that fostered an inclusive workplace.
✨Engage with the Leadership Team's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's People Plan and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to its delivery. Think about how you can support workforce planning, recruitment, and employee wellbeing, and come armed with ideas on how to measure progress.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive issues. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, particularly in relation to employee relations and compliance with UK employment law.
