At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives to support global defence programmes and ensure workforce readiness.
- Company: Ocean Infinity, a tech-driven company transforming operations at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace focused on equality, innovation, and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team innovating in the defence sector with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience in programme-led environments, especially in defence or security.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are using and creating technology to transform operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive. We are open-minded and fearless in our approach to innovation and don't believe in boundaries. We challenge everything and have massive ambitions to drag aging industries into the tech era. We take safety, equality and education very seriously, and our responsibilities don't stop at our front door. Our business is built on the belief that there's definitely a more environmentally responsible way to operate at sea.
We employ people who share our core values. We expect our people to be courageous, trustworthy, and conscientious, driven by a desire to do the right thing. We strive for excellence, work collaboratively, and are genuinely excited by our work. We offer opportunities for our people to develop beyond their role and span a multitude of disciplines. These are open to all, regardless of background and experience level. Working with us means being part of a team that is harnessing technology and creativity to disrupt a traditional industry. We are not your average workplace.
The HR Lead – Programmes is a senior, delivery-focused HR leader responsible for ensuring the workforce is mobilised and deployed to support complex, global defence and security programmes. Operating within a high-growth, programme-led environment, the role owns the end-to-end People Plan, aligning workforce strategy, recruitment and organisational design to programme milestones and operational readiness. Acting as a critical enabler of delivery, the HR Lead ensures people-related risks do not impact execution, working closely with Programme Leadership and enabling functions (Security, IT, Facilities, Recruitment) to deliver a security-compliant workforce at pace. The role requires experience operating in global defence or security-cleared environments, including managing constraints related to vetting, compliance and deployment logistics.
What you will be doing
- Own and deliver the Programme People Plan, aligning workforce structure, ramp profile and deployment to programme milestones
- Lead workforce planning, including demand forecasting, role prioritisation and phased mobilisation
- Ensure workforce readiness through effective onboarding and integration
- Oversee delivery of a scalable HR model aligned to programme demand
- Oversee the recruitment delivery strategy (direct, agency and contractor models)
- Ensure candidate pipelines meet forecast demand across disciplines
- Partner with Recruitment to deliver hiring targets and mitigate risks (e.g. scarcity, offer drop-off, clearance delays)
- Track and report hiring performance against ramp plan and milestones
- Coordinate onboarding aligned to security clearance, IT and facilities requirements
- Ensure effective workforce integration into programme teams
- Oversee early lifecycle management, including engagement, retention and issue resolution
- Ensure alignment with defence requirements, including: Security vetting and clearance, and handling of sensitive information
- Provide workforce reporting to programme governance, including risks and readiness
- Own workforce inputs to programme risk registers
Who you are
- Proven experience in a senior HR leadership or HRBP role within programme-led environments, supporting defence or security-cleared programmes
- In-depth workforce planning capability, including demand forecasting and mobilisation planning
- Experience leading large-scale recruitment aligned to programme milestones
- Ability to operate at senior stakeholder level and influence programme leadership
- Strong analytical capability, using workforce data to manage risk and performance
- Commercially aware, aligning people strategy to delivery, revenue and margin
- Experience operating in fast-paced, complex programme environments
Salary: The salary varies for this position as we are recruiting in multiple regional locations and job grades. The salary process is based on skills, abilities, and experience required.
What you can expect: At Ocean Infinity, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all, celebrating each and everyone’s differences. We are driven by transforming the industry, through our technology, thoughts, behaviours and actions. Being inclusive and respectful to all is fundamental to who we are. It is the right thing to do and enables innovation and creativity to thrive. There is more work to be done, and we know that we aren’t perfect, but our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and the impact we have on the industry, meaning, we cannot live without them.
Human Resources Lead - Programmes in Southampton employer: Ocean Infinity
At Ocean Infinity, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and inclusivity in the maritime technology sector. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development across various disciplines. By joining our team as a Human Resources Lead - Programmes, you will play a pivotal role in transforming the industry while working alongside passionate individuals who share a commitment to safety, equality, and environmental responsibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Lead - Programmes in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Lead - Programmes in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about transforming operations at sea and making a positive impact on the planet.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in HR leadership, especially in programme-led environments. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage workforce planning and recruitment effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see how you align with our values and needs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Infinity
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission and values. Understand how they are transforming operations at sea and their commitment to safety, equality, and education. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their core beliefs and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their innovative journey.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience in senior HR roles, especially within programme-led environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed workforce planning, recruitment strategies, and compliance in complex settings. Highlighting your analytical skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly related to workforce mobilisation and integration. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
The company values courage, trustworthiness, and conscientiousness. Be prepared to share examples that demonstrate these traits in your professional life. Discuss how you foster collaboration and engagement within teams, as well as your commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. This will show that you resonate with their culture and are ready to contribute positively.
