At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead organisation design to enhance business strategy and workforce transformation.
- Company: Join Standard Life, a leader in retirement savings with over 200 years of experience.
- Benefits: Up to £110,000 salary, 38 days leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of work while making a real impact on people's financial journeys.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and expertise in organisation design and transformation.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
We’re searching for two Heads of Organisation Design who share our commitment to putting customers first, aiming high and working together to join the People Team.
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract - until end of 2027
Location: Hybrid role that can be based out of our London, Edinburgh or Birmingham office.
Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 22/09/2026
Salary and benefits: Up to £110,000 DOE plus an indicative bonus range of 30-60%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we? We’re Standard Life, a retirement specialist focused entirely on retirement savings and income. We champion the belief that everyone’s journey to and through retirement can be better, and for more than 200 years, we’ve been helping our customers plan and prepare for their financial futures.
Life today is increasingly complicated, uncertain and unpredictable. People move through different careers, face unexpected moments and navigate important choices. We offer our colleagues flexibility, trust and benefits that work for whatever life brings. In return we expect curiosity, connection, accountability and high standards. We make room for what matters - so you can bring your best, every day.
The role: The Head of Organisation Design is responsible for shaping and governing organisational structures that enable the successful delivery of business strategy, workforce transformation, and organisational effectiveness across the Group. Working closely with Heads of HR, Executive Leadership Teams and transformation leaders, the role provides strategic organisation design expertise for major business change initiatives, operating model redesign, mergers and acquisitions, integrations, and large-scale workforce transformation programmes. The role ensures organisational design decisions create clear accountabilities, support career development and capability growth, optimise spans and layers, and enable the organisation to respond quickly to changing customer, commercial and regulatory requirements.
What are we looking for?
- Essential:
- Significant experience in a senior HR leadership, organisation design or organisational effectiveness role.
- Strong generalist HR background with broad understanding of people strategy and HR disciplines.
- Proven experience leading large-scale organisation design, operating model and workforce transformation initiatives.
- Experience supporting significant business change programmes, restructures, integrations or mergers and acquisitions.
- Experience working with executive leadership teams and senior stakeholders in complex organisations.
- Demonstrable success implementing organisation design solutions that improve performance, agility and organisational effectiveness.
- Experience designing governance frameworks and managing complex organisational decision-making processes.
- Desirable:
- Experience within large, complex and regulated organisations.
- Financial services or professional services experience.
- Consulting or transformation experience.
- Qualification in organisation design, organisational psychology, business transformation or related discipline.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you.
If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best.
We’re reviewing applications as they come in and may close this role before the closing date, so apply early to avoid missing out.
Head of Organisation Design in Edinburgh employer: Phoenix Group
Standard Life is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London, Edinburgh, Telford, or Birmingham, with flexible working arrangements that prioritise your needs. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, private medical cover, and opportunities for career development, we foster a culture of curiosity and accountability, empowering you to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the retirement sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Organisation Design in Edinburgh
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Phoenix Group and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Organisation Design in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Phoenix Group. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Group
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Phoenix Group, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Phoenix Group uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Phoenix Group.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Phoenix Group.
