At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR and organisational development, shaping people strategies during exciting changes.
- Company: Join the Royal Institute of British Architects, a global leader in architecture.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, influence at high levels, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and to inspire a passionate team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an influential organisation and foster an inclusive workplace.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with strong strategic and hands-on skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Lead the people agenda at one of the world's most influential architectural organisations. At the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the global professional body for architecture, we're committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing workplace that enables our colleagues to thrive and deliver real impact for our members and the wider profession.
We're looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate Services and as a member of our Senior Management Team, you'll shape and lead our people strategy during an exciting period of organisational change. This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior HR leader who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and wants to make a lasting impact on organisational culture, leadership and employee experience.
What you'll be doing
- You'll lead our HR and Organisational Development function, ensuring our people strategies, policies and services enable RIBA to attract, develop and retain talented colleagues.
- You'll provide strategic leadership across:
- HR and Organisational Development strategy
- Business partnering and organisational design
- Talent attraction, development and succession
- Employee engagement and culture
- Learning and leadership development
- Performance management
- Employment law, HR policy and employee relations
- Health, safety and well-being
- You'll also play a key role in delivering the people aspects of our House of Architecture Programme, helping to shape modern, flexible ways of working and ensuring RIBA continues to be a great place to work.
About you
You'll be an accomplished HR leader with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and the practical experience to turn strategy into action. You'll bring:
- Fellow CIPD qualification (or equivalent senior HR experience)
- Significant experience leading HR and organisational development functions
- A successful track record of delivering organisational and cultural change
- Strong employment law knowledge and commercial judgement
- Experience advising Executive teams, Boards and Committees
- Outstanding communication, influencing and leadership skills
- The ability to inspire teams while remaining pragmatic and hands-on
Experience within a charity, membership organisation or not-for-profit environment would be an advantage but isn't essential.
Why RIBA?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of our organisation through our people. You'll join a passionate and collaborative team, influence decisions at the highest level and help create an inclusive, innovative and high-performing culture that supports our long-term ambitions. If you're looking for a role where you can combine strategic leadership with meaningful organisational impact, we'd love to hear from you.
The interview process will be a two stage process, with the first interviews taking place on Wednesday 19th August, in-person, in the London offices.
Head of HR and OD (12 month FTC) in London employer: Unite Talent
As a leading educational institution, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and support for continuous learning, making this an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the HR field. Located in a vibrant academic community, our university provides a unique chance to engage with diverse talent while contributing to strategic initiatives that shape the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR and OD (12 month FTC) in London
✨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 Unite Talent 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 Head of HR and OD (12 month FTC) in London
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 Unite Talent. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unite Talent
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Unite Talent, 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 Unite Talent 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 Unite Talent.
✨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 Unite Talent.
