Human Resources Director

Human Resources Director

Full-Time 75000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Royal British Legion

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the People strategy and oversee HR operations for a major charity.
  • Company: Join a leading Armed Forces charity making a real difference.
  • Benefits: 28 days paid holiday, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and volunteering.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of people leadership and make a visible impact.
  • Qualifications: CIPD qualification and experience at Director level in a complex organisation.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.

Would you like to shape the future of people leadership across a major national charity? Are you an experienced People Director who has led at senior level in a complex organisation and knows how to turn strategy into delivery? Can you bring the clarity, pace and judgement needed to lead a broad People function spanning operations, talent, reward, workforce planning and people insight?

Reporting to the Executive Director of People and Culture, we are looking for a Director of People to lead and integrate our People function, ensuring we have the right structures, capability and culture in place to deliver our organisational priorities. This is a senior leadership role for someone who has already operated at Director level, with direct experience of leading and managing a senior People/HR team. You will bring strong experience from a charity or not-for-profit organisation or a personal connection to the Armed Forces Community through service, family or lived experience.

We will only be considering candidates who are able to evidence the following criteria:

  • CIPD qualification at MCIPD or FCIPD level.
  • Operated at Director level, with responsibility for leading a People/HR function in a complex organisation.
  • Directly leading and managing a senior People/HR team.
  • Significant experience working within a charity/not-for-profit organisation or a personal connection to the Armed Forces Community (serving, veteran, reservist, spouse/partner or family member).

London-based, hub worker (2 days per week in London). Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

In this role, you will:

  • Lead the organisation’s People strategy, ensuring alignment with wider organisational priorities and future capability needs.
  • Oversee a full People function including HR operations, business partnering, talent, reward, learning and people data.
  • Act as a key advisor to the Executive team on workforce planning, organisational design, change and people risk.
  • Build strong leadership capability across the organisation and ensure managers are equipped to lead their teams effectively.
  • Use data, insight and evidence to shape decisions and improve organisational performance.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you will have the opportunity to shape how we attract, develop and retain our people, while strengthening leadership capability and driving a consistent, high-quality people experience across the organisation. You will be joining at a time where there is real focus on building for the future, giving you space to influence, modernise and make a visible difference.

You will be contracted to our Haig House hub, with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub. Please note that this in-person requirement is non-negotiable. Outside of these days, there is flexibility to work remotely/from home when not on site.

Employee benefits include:

  • 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days.
  • Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
  • Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%.
  • Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role.
  • Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice.
  • Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives.
  • Opportunities to volunteer.
  • Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification. RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role. We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Human Resources Director employer: Royal British Legion

Join a leading national charity dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community, where you will have the opportunity to shape the future of people leadership in a meaningful way. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, we offer a range of benefits including generous leave policies and pension contributions. This role not only allows you to make a significant impact but also provides a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Royal British Legion

Contact Details:

Royal British Legion Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director

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!

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We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director

CIPD qualification at MCIPD or FCIPD level
Leadership Skills
People Strategy Development
HR Operations Management
Business Partnering
Talent Management
Workforce Planning

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 Royal British Legion. 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 Royal British Legion 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 Royal British Legion. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Royal British Legion'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 Royal British Legion

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 Royal British Legion.

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 Royal British Legion 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 Royal British Legion and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.