At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives to support wildlife conservation and enhance employee engagement.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a leading wildlife conservation charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and free entry to zoos for you and your family.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in wildlife conservation while shaping a positive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education, HR leadership experience, and strong problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 59691 - 66531 £ per year.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
You’ll lead the human resources function across the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), ensuring the charity has the capability, culture and capacity to deliver its mission and long-term strategy.
Deliver a proactive, high-quality and values-led HR service that supports organisational performance, employee engagement and positive employee relations, while ensuring compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Design and deliver the people strategy aligned with RZSS’ mission, values and strategy
- Lead departmental planning, budgeting, workforce planning and KPI reporting
- Provide expert advice on employee relations to safeguard the charity and its reputation
- Oversee pay and grading frameworks in line with organisational objectives and affordability
- Ensure high-quality HR data, systems and management information to support decision-making and continuous improvement
- Support a positive, inclusive organisational culture aligned to RZSS values and behaviours
- Design and deliver organisational activities to improve capability, leadership and performance
What we’re looking for:
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience
- Chartered Member of CIPD
- Employee relations problem-solving and decision-making
- Influencing and stakeholder management at senior level
- Senior HR leadership experience at head-of-function or equivalent level
- Leading and developing HR teams
What you’ll get in return:
- Starting pro-rated salary of £59,691 or £61,183 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £66,531 per annum
- 37.5hr working week (may require some weekend working)
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Discount in both retail/catering
- Access to a healthcare plan
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.
If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. Interviews will take place between 4 - 6 March. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and PVG Check. Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.
Head of Human Resources in Edinburgh employer: The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
Contact Detail:
The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who might have insights into RZSS. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching RZSS’s mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve led HR initiatives in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, discuss how you’ve developed HR teams and fostered a positive culture. RZSS is looking for someone who can inspire and engage others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the RZSS family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Human Resources role. Highlight your HR leadership experience and how it connects to RZSS's mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your accomplishments! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've positively impacted previous organisations, especially in areas like employee engagement and organisational culture.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits our values and culture, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for wildlife conservation and how it drives your HR approach.
Apply Early: Since we’ll be shortlisting applications while the advert is live, it’s best to get your application in as soon as possible. Head over to our website and hit that APPLY button to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's mission and values. Understand how they align with your own beliefs and experiences in HR. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision of wildlife conservation.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead HR functions effectively. Highlight your successes in employee relations, workforce planning, and developing HR teams. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated challenges in these areas.
✨Engage with Their Culture
Research the organisational culture at RZSS and think about how you can support and enhance it. Be prepared to discuss strategies for fostering a positive, inclusive environment that aligns with their values. This shows you're not just a fit for the role, but for the organisation as a whole.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current HR challenges, future goals, and how they measure success. This not only demonstrates your interest but also gives you valuable information to assess if this is the right fit for you.