Head of People Services in Exeter

Head of People Services in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 60000 - 75000 Β£ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and drive a high-performing culture.
  • Company: Teign Housing, a trusted landlord on a mission to deliver homes people love.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension contributions, flexible working, and health benefits.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on wellbeing and career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping an inclusive and values-driven workplace.
  • Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 Β£ per year.

Lead how we unlock value and drive smarter ways of working. At Teign Housing, we're on a mission to deliver homes people love, from a landlord you can trust.

Why this role matters

This is a strategic leadership role with real influence. You'll work closely with the Director of People, Change & Assurance and the Executive Team to:

  • Drive and deliver our People Strategy
  • Build a high-performing, insight-led People function
  • Champion an inclusive, values-led culture
  • Enable our organisation to attract, develop and retain great people

What you'll be doing

  • Strategic leadership & influence
    • Lead the design and delivery of the People Strategy aligned to organisational goals
    • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and the Executive Team
    • Shape workforce planning, organisational capability, and future readiness
    • Deputise for the Director when required
  • Modern, high-performing People services
    • Deliver a digitally enabled, efficient People function across the full employee lifecycle
    • Oversee recruitment, L&D, reward, policies, and employee relations
    • Drive continuous improvement and service excellence
  • Insight, systems & innovation
    • Own and optimise People systems and data
    • Use insight to inform decision-making and drive performance
    • Champion automation and self-service to enhance user experience
  • Culture, engagement & wellbeing
    • Champion EDI&B, wellbeing, and belonging at every level
    • Lead engagement initiatives and colleague voice forums
    • Embed a culture where people can thrive and do their best work
  • Talent & organisational development
    • Lead talent acquisition and development strategies
    • Build career pathways and succession plans
    • Embed a strong business partnering approach
  • Governance & assurance
    • Ensure compliance with employment law and sector regulation
    • Oversee risk, audits, and People-related governance
    • Manage the People Services budget and drive value for money

What you'll bring

We're looking for a credible, forward-thinking People leader who can combine strategy with delivery:

  • Experience & expertise
    • Senior HR/People leadership experience (housing, public sector or similar desirable)
    • Proven track record in culture change, OD, and transformation
    • Experience leading high-performing teams and complex people agendas
    • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
    • Experience implementing and optimising people systems and digital tools
  • Skills that set you apart
    • Ability to influence and challenge at Executive level
    • Data-driven, commercially aware, and solutions-focused
    • Strong coaching and stakeholder engagement skills
    • Strategic thinker with hands-on delivery capability

Your style

  • Values-driven, inclusive, and authentic
  • A natural relationship builder who inspires trust
  • Passionate about creating great employee experiences
  • Focused on outcomes that make a real difference

Our values (and how we work)

At Teign Housing, how we work matters as much as what we do:

  • We are One Team
  • We are Friendly
  • We Listen & Learn

We're proud to build an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone feels they belong and can be themselves.

Why join us?

  • A strategic leadership role with real organisational impact
  • The opportunity to shape culture in a purpose-led organisation
  • A collaborative, values-driven environment
  • Flexible working and a strong focus on wellbeing

Benefits

  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Discretionary festive leave
  • Generous employer pension contribution of up to 15%, plus death in service
  • Private healthcare membership (if applicable)
  • Flexible, agile working
  • Salary sacrifice scheme (optional)
  • Reimbursement of professional membership fees
  • Employer contributions towards gym membership and eye examinations for those who use computers regularly as part of their work
  • Up to 25% off selected O2 airtime contracts
  • Microsoft Home Use programme available
  • Training opportunities
  • Employee assistance programme provided by Health Assured
  • Westcountry savings and loans scheme
  • Recognition for long service (if applicable)
  • Cycle to Work and electric vehicle schemes
  • Bupa dental care (optional)

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week.

Please send your CV and covering letter via the apply button. Closing date: 13 July 2026. Interview date: 30 July 2026. Applications will be considered as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should a suitable candidate apply.

Head of People Services in Exeter employer: Teign Housing

At Teign Housing, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven employer that champions inclusivity and employee wellbeing. As the Head of People Services, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape our People Strategy within a collaborative environment, driving meaningful change and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. With generous benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development, Teign Housing is an excellent place for those looking to make a real impact in their careers.

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Contact Details:

Teign Housing Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Services in Exeter

Strategic Leadership
People Strategy Development
Organisational Development
Change Management
Employee Engagement
Talent Acquisition
Coaching Skills