At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations and support teams in making a real difference to vulnerable individuals.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to empowering those facing homelessness and social exclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for senior leadership experience in a values-driven organisation.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping workplace culture in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or 7, with substantial operational HR leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 50000 £ per year.
Southampton/Hybrid – with travel across Hampshire to SSJ operational sites
Salary: £46,000 – £50,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Part time 30 hours or full time 37 hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover, up to 12 months)
The Society of St James is a leading Hampshire-based homelessness charity delivering housing, care, and support services to vulnerable adults across the region. We are passionate about empowering individuals to overcome challenges related to homelessness, addiction, mental health, and social exclusion, creating lasting positive change in our communities.
We are seeking a Head of People and Culture to provide senior operational leadership across our HR and People function during a period of maternity leave. Working closely with the Executive Director of People and Culture, you will play a vital role in translating our strategic goals into smooth, high-quality, day-to-day HR operations.
In this hands-on leadership post, you will lead an established operational team to deliver responsive employee relations guidance, talent acquisition, policy implementation, compliance management, and payroll integrations across SSJ. You will report to the Executive Director of People and Culture and be accountable for the Training Manager, People & Culture Advisors, and the People & Culture Admin.
- Operational Leadership: Lead and manage the operational People and Culture team (Advisors, Administrators, and Training Lead), embedding high standards of service delivery.
- Employee Relations & Advisory: Oversee complex employee relations casework, formal disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, and trade union consultations.
- Recruitment & Onboarding: Manage day-to-day talent acquisition workflows, values-based recruitment, and pre-employment compliance checks.
- Policy & Compliance Assurance: Ensure strict operational compliance with UK employment law, Right to Work, DBS standards, CQC requirements, and GDPR.
- Systems & Payroll Integration: Oversee HRIS operations, produce operational workforce metrics, and manage monthly payroll data coordination with Finance.
- Change Management: Support service managers through organisational change, restructuring, and TUPE transfers.
Qualifications: A CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification (Associate or Chartered status) or equivalent extensive operational HR leadership experience.
Operational HR Expertise: Substantial experience managing operational HR service delivery and direct line management of HR team members.
Employee Relations Mastery: Comprehensive understanding of UK employment law, statutory pre-employment standards (DBS/Right to Work), CQC regulations, and GDPR.
Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency with HRIS systems and data reporting, and a collaborative, solution-focused communication style. Alignment with SSJ’s core mission and values, plus a valid UK Driving Licence with access to a vehicle for operational site visits. Prior experience in the charity, social care, voluntary, or supported housing sector is highly desirable.
Competitive salary of £46,000 – £50,000 per annum. Generous annual leave and sick pay, employer pension, salary sacrifice, flexible working. Up to 12 months fixed-term contract offering senior leadership experience in a values-driven organisation. A supportive, collaborative working environment working directly alongside the Executive Director. The opportunity to shape workplace culture and support teams making a genuine difference to vulnerable people.
If you are an energetic, strategic-minded operational HR specialist looking for a rewarding interim role, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement detailing how your experience meets the person specification.
Head of People & Culture (hybrid) in Southampton employer: The Society of St James
The Society of St James (SSJ) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, particularly in Hampshire. With over 50 years of experience, SSJ offers a supportive work culture that values its staff as its greatest assets, providing generous benefits such as flexible working options, comprehensive training, and well-being services. Joining SSJ means being part of a dynamic team committed to equal opportunities and making a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness and substance use challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People & Culture (hybrid) in Southampton
✨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 The Society of St James!
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✨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 The Society of St James.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People & Culture (hybrid) in Southampton
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 The Society of St James. 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 The Society of St James 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 The Society of St James. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Society of St James'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 The Society of St James
✨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 The Society of St James.
✨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 The Society of St James 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 The Society of St James and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
