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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people strategy and shape a thriving workplace culture.
- Company: Join a fast-growing UK charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be the first Head of People and leave a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or above with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 57500 - 62500 £ per year.
About the Organisation
Goodman Masson are thrilled to be exclusively partnering with a truly inspiring, fast-growing UK charity making a meaningful difference in people's lives every single day. With a current headcount of just over 50 (and plans to grow to around 60 by the end of the year), this is an incredibly exciting time to join. The organisation is scaling thoughtfully, investing in its people, and strengthening its culture as it enters its next phase of development. This is a rare opportunity to step into a first-ever Head of People role, giving you real scope to shape strategy, influence leadership, and leave a lasting impact.
The Opportunity
This newly created Head of People position blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, offering autonomy and visibility across the organisation. Reporting to the Operations Director and managing an HR Manager, you'll take ownership of the full people agenda - from designing a forward-looking strategy to embedding inclusive, high-performing practices across the charity. You'll be a key member of the senior leadership landscape, acting as a trusted advisor while ensuring the organisation's people approach evolves in line with its growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a 3-year People Strategy aligned to organisational growth
- Lead workforce and succession planning as the charity scales
- Drive and embed a meaningful EDI strategy across recruitment and culture
- Sit on SMT and ensure accountability
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on all people-related matters
- Lead on complex employee relations cases and provide expert guidance
- Build leadership capability by coaching and developing line managers
- Oversee HR policies, processes, and systems ensuring compliance and consistency
- Use people data and insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
- Champion a high-performance, inclusive and values-led culture
- Line manage and develop the HR Manager
Essential Experience:
CIPD Level 5 (minimum) - Level 7 desirable
Head of HR employer: Public Sector
Contact Detail:
Public Sector Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working in HR roles. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the charity's values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples. We want you to show them that you’re not just a fit on paper, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the Head of People role and how you plan to drive their people strategy forward. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of People role. Highlight your experience in developing people strategies and leading HR initiatives that align with organisational growth. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention any relevant experience in EDI strategies or leadership development.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've influenced senior leaders and driven change in previous roles. We’re keen to see how you can shape our people agenda!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the charity's mission and values. Research their current projects and how they impact people's lives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss your vision for a 3-year People Strategy. Think about how you would approach workforce planning and EDI initiatives. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented similar strategies.
✨Be Ready for Real Scenarios
Expect questions around complex employee relations cases. Prepare some real-life examples where you’ve navigated tricky situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Development Skills
Think about how you can build leadership capability within the organisation. Be prepared to discuss your coaching style and how you would develop line managers. Sharing specific methods or frameworks you've used in the past can really impress the interviewers.