At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support an established HR team during maternity cover.
- Company: Join a respected public sector organisation prioritising culture and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Must have senior HR leadership experience in public sector or regulated industries.
- Other info: This is a caretaker role focused on stability and guidance for a high-functioning team.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 62000 £ per year.
Job Description
Head of People | Central Cambridge (no parking) | Hybrid working 2 to 3 days onsite | circa £65,000
I’m working with a growing, purpose-led organisation that’s at a really interesting point in its journey.
They’ve moved through an early start-up phase and are now beginning to put more structure and shape around the business. With longer-term funding secured and continued growth ahead, the focus is shifting away from purely hiring at pace and towards building a stronger, more considered people approach.
If you are reading this and are ready to take the next step in your career and continue on your growth journey, continue reading – this could be a real opportunity!
The opportunity
This is a broad HR role where you’ll have the chance to get involved in a bit of everything. You’ll be close to the detail, but also part of the bigger conversations around how the business grows and matures.
It would suit someone who enjoys building, improving and making things work better, rather than stepping into something already fully formed.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be working closely with senior stakeholders and supporting an evolving HR function, with a focus on:
- Developing and shaping the people approach as the business continues to grow
- Building out training and development, including a graduate entry programme
- Strengthening HR processes, policies and overall infrastructure
- Supporting organisational development and change
- Bringing more structure around reporting, data and decision making
- Supporting areas such as performance, reward and general people processes
- Overseeing compliance, risk and health and safety
- Coaching and supporting managers to build confidence and capability
There’s also scope to step up at times, taking the lead on projects and supporting at a more senior level when needed.
What they’re looking for
This feels like a step up role for someone who’s already strong in delivery and now wants more ownership and visibility.
You’ll likely have:
- Experience in a start-up or scaling environment where things aren’t overly defined
- A track record of improving or building HR processes
- A balance of being hands on while still able to think a step ahead
- Some exposure to training, development or organisational design
- The confidence to work closely with stakeholders and add value to conversations
- A practical, solutions focused approach
Experience with Employer of Record models would be useful but not essential.
The environment
It’s a collaborative and open environment where people are approachable and keen to build something that works well.
You’ll work closely with the Director of People, the current HRBP, and stakeholders across finance, operations and a wider international team.
There’s a genuine focus on people, communication and building something that feels joined up and supportive.
It’s also worth noting this isn’t a heavily layered or overly process driven environment. It’s still evolving, which means there’s space to shape and improve things as you go.
Why this role
This is one of those roles where you can really see the impact of what you’re doing.
You’re not just maintaining a function, you’re helping to shape it. You’ll have exposure to senior stakeholders, the chance to influence how things are done, and the variety that comes with a business still finding its rhythm.
For more information, reach out to Jacquelyn on 01223 237888.
Head of People employer: The ONE Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
The ONE Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those who have experience in HR leadership roles. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the organisation's culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing the public sector, particularly in HR. Understanding current trends and issues will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing HR teams, particularly in unionised environments. Be ready to share examples of how you've maintained compliance and governance while fostering a positive workplace culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's values and community impact initiatives. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs will demonstrate your commitment to their mission and enhance your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HR leadership, particularly within the public sector. Emphasise your line management experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for people management and your understanding of the values-driven culture of the organisation. Mention specific examples from your past roles that align with their focus on employee wellbeing and compliance.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your experience with employment law, governance, and working in unionised environments. This will show that you have the necessary background to navigate the complexities of the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership style and how it aligns with the organisation's needs. Provide examples of how you've maintained stability and guided teams through transitions, especially in high-functioning environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at The ONE Group Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of People, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, particularly in a public sector or regulated environment, to demonstrate your capability to provide stability and guidance.
✨Understand Employment Law and Compliance
Given the importance of legal compliance in this role, brush up on relevant employment laws and governance practices. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions and how you would maintain these standards in the new role.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Approach
This position requires working closely with unions and external authorities. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to foster a positive workplace culture and resolve conflicts.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll need to contribute to strategic discussions. Think about how you've influenced strategy in previous roles and be prepared to share your insights on maintaining high standards in people management.