At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & Culture function and drive strategic direction in a growing organisation.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a clear social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an inclusive workplace while making a real impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and a Level 7 CIPD qualification or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 120000 £ per year.
Salary: £115,000 – £120,000 per annum + excellent benefits
Location: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe or Letchworth Garden City
Contract: Full time, permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Hybrid working: 2 days per week from office, 3 days from home
Are you looking to join a growing, values‑led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm we are proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high‑quality homes, neighbourhoods we can all be proud of, and maximising the number of new affordable homes we build.
We want to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping shape stronger communities. This is a super‑opportunity to shape the people agenda and cultural future of the business following significant growth from merger and acquisition.
About the Role
Leading an established People & Culture function, you will drive both strategic direction and operational excellence. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide trusted advice and appropriately challenge senior stakeholders, ensuring the people agenda enables the organisation to deliver outstanding services to customers and colleagues alike.
Your Focus Will Include
- Embedding the new organisation’s culture and ways of working
- Strengthening the Business Partnering model
- Developing leadership capability across the business
- Driving engagement and organisational effectiveness
- Identifying and implementing opportunities to improve systems, processes and service delivery
- Supporting future organisational design and people strategy
About you
We are looking for an accomplished HR leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands‑on, collaborative approach.
You'll Bring
- Significant senior HR leadership experience
- A strong background leading Business Partnering functions
- Excellent employee relations and employment law expertise
- Champion a learning organisation where continuous development is embedded across the workforce
- Experience influencing Executive teams and Boards
- Gravitas, resilience and outstanding stakeholder management skills
- The confidence to balance support with challenge
- A commercial mindset coupled with genuine empathy and emotional intelligence
Must Haves – Experience
- Extensive experience designing and delivering people and organisational development strategies in complex, change‑driven environments
- Experience demonstrating strong business awareness and financial management skills
- Demonstrable ability to use data and insight to build compelling business cases and influence at senior levels
- Strong track record of leading organisational culture change and embedding EDI
- Experience of working at Board and Executive level, influencing and advising at the highest level
- Experience leading wellbeing or workforce resilience strategies
- Experience leading and implementing organisational development initiatives, with familiarity of HR systems, data analytics and digital transformation in people management
Must Haves – Knowledge
- Deep understanding of organisational culture and demonstrated success in improving employee engagement, productivity and customer satisfaction
- Excellent knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
- Understanding of housing associations, social housing policy and regulatory frameworks, or a clear commitment to develop sector knowledge
Must Haves – Skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver practical, measurable outcomes
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills to support service delivery and drive performance, organisational growth
- Strong communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships
- Demonstrable ability to write clear and succinct reports for Board and Executive audiences
- Skilled at building motivated teams committed to the vision and values of the company
- A confident, independent and effective decision-maker
- Commitment to the aims and ambitions of the organisation and broader issues of social housing and best value in all aspects of operations
- Resilient, adaptable and proactive in driving positive change
Must Haves – Qualifications
- Degree and Level 7 CIPD qualification or equivalent
Benefits
- Annual salary £115,000 – £120,000 per annum (DOE)
- 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays, Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family‑friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
- Mental Health First Aiders available to support
- Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
- Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
- 3 paid volunteering days in the local community
- Peer‑recognition rewards platform
- Paid professional subscription (one per year)
Working Hours
37 hours per week, Monday – Friday, Minimum of two days per week on site
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disadvantaged socio‑economic backgrounds, people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Accessibility and Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.
Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, carried out when a conditional offer is made.
Closing Date: Friday, 7th August. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.
Director of People & Culture employer: Paradigm Housing Group
Paradigm Housing Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in High Wycombe or Letchworth Garden City. With a strong focus on employee well-being, competitive salaries, and a generous pension scheme, we foster a culture of collaboration and growth, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Culture
✨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 Paradigm Housing Group!
✨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 Paradigm Housing Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Culture
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 Paradigm Housing Group. 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 Paradigm Housing Group 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 Paradigm Housing Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Paradigm Housing Group'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 Paradigm Housing Group
✨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 Paradigm Housing Group.
✨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 Paradigm Housing Group 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 Paradigm Housing Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
