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 qualification or extensive operational HR leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 50000 £ per year.
Head of People and Culture (Maternity Cover) 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.
Are you an experienced operational HR leader looking to make a real impact in the charity and supported housing sector? 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.
People & Culture Lead (Recruitment) 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 People & Culture Lead (Recruitment) in Southampton
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at The Society of St James and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Lead (Recruitment) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at The Society of St James. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Society of St James
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at The Society of St James, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that The Society of St James uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at The Society of St James.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at The Society of St James.
