At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cultural transformation and develop strategies for a resilient workforce in a changing industry.
- Company: Join South East Water, a forward-thinking company dedicated to community and environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible leave, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture and help shape the future of essential services.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent with significant experience in organisational development.
This is an initial fixed term contract to August 2027 with the possibility it could become permanent. The Organisational Development Manager is the primary architect of culture and capability during a period of transformation for South East Water. In a water industry facing evolving regulatory landscapes, environmental challenges, and digital shifts, the role will ensure that our 1,400 strong workforce is resilient, skilled, and aligned with our future vision.
Reporting directly to the Head of HR, the OD Manager will lead a dedicated team to design and execute strategies that improve organisational effectiveness and performance, managing a budget and the apprentice levy funds. This role isn’t just managing 'business as usual'; it’s focused on leading the 'business of tomorrow,' ensuring our people are skilled, competent, motivated and engaged to deliver life-essential services through significant periods of change.
Main responsibilities:
- Performance Management: Develop plans to drive a high performance culture, support our performance management roadmap, including embedding performance frameworks that move beyond compliance to focus on continuous improvement and behavioural excellence.
- Supporting the wider business: Support wider HR initiatives to identify future talent gaps and design intervention strategies to ensure long-term operational sustainability. This includes succession planning activity and reducing risk around our business critical roles.
- Compliance & Mandatory Training Oversight: Lead the team responsible for the design, delivery, and tracking of all mandatory and regulatory training. Ensure 100% compliance across high-risk technical areas to safeguard the business and its license to operate.
- Emerging Talent Strategy: Lead the team in the design and delivery of a comprehensive emerging talent ecosystem, including Apprenticeships and Graduate Programmes. Focus on building a sustainable pipeline of future leaders and technical experts to mitigate the risks of an ageing workforce.
- Team Leadership: Direct and mentor a team, fostering a high-performance culture within the OD and wider HR function.
- Culture & Engagement: Lead the design of employee engagement initiatives and deliver results to senior stakeholders, partnering with business areas to create meaningful action plans.
- Leadership Development: Create and oversee bespoke leadership programmes that equip managers at all levels of the organisation to lead through change, ambiguity and technical evolution.
You’ll need:
- Skills / Qualifications / Experience: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent.
- Strategic Thinking: The ability to see the 'big picture' and translate corporate strategy into actionable people plans.
- Diagnostic Prowess: Skilled in using OD diagnostic tools and methodologies to identify organisational 'pain points.'
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills, with the ability to simplify complex change concepts for a diverse workforce (from Field Technicians to office staff).
- Data Literacy: Ability to interpret HR analytics and engagement metrics to measure the ROI of OD interventions.
- Resilience: High emotional intelligence and the 'grit' required to stay focused and positive during periods of high pressure.
- Proven OD Impact: Significant experience in a Senior OD role, ideally within regulated industry.
- Stakeholder Influence: Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels through data-driven insights and persuasive communication.
- Project Management: Experience delivering high-impact projects on time and within budget in a fast-paced environment.
Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.
Grow a career with a meaningful purpose. We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package: Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution. 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service. Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave. Paid volunteering days. Cycle to work scheme. Health cash plan. Life assurance. Wellbeing related benefits.
What can you expect from your recruitment? To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career's website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!
South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.
Compensation package: Starting from £55,000 depending on experience.
Organisational Development Manager (Fixed Term Contract) in Snodland employer: South East Water
South East Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead transformative initiatives that shape the future of our workforce. With a strong commitment to employee development, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you'll find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while making a positive impact in the community. Join us in delivering essential services and be part of a team that prioritises resilience, engagement, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organisational Development Manager (Fixed Term Contract) in Snodland
✨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 South East Water 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 Organisational Development Manager (Fixed Term Contract) in Snodland
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 South East Water. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Water
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at South East Water, 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 South East Water 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 South East Water.
✨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 South East Water.
