At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and drive a high-performing culture at Teign Housing.
- Company: Teign Housing, a purpose-led organisation focused on delivering homes people love.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension contributions, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team that champions inclusivity and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culture and employee experiences in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience with a strong understanding of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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:
- 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 Newton Abbot employer: Teign Housing
At Teign Housing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a values-driven culture and prioritises employee wellbeing. As the Head of People Services, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our People Strategy within a collaborative environment, supported by generous benefits such as flexible working, a strong pension contribution, and professional development opportunities. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of our employees and the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Services in Newton Abbot
✨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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Teign Housing!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Teign Housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Services in Newton Abbot
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 Teign Housing. 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 Teign Housing 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 Teign Housing. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Teign Housing'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 Teign Housing
✨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 Teign Housing.
✨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 Teign Housing 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 Teign Housing and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
