At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & Culture strategy, focusing on wellbeing, engagement, and talent retention.
- Company: Join War Child UK, a mission-driven charity dedicated to supporting children in conflict.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in people systems and culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an impactful organisation while driving positive change in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in HR or organisational development with a grasp of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
This is the most senior people role at War Child UK, leading the established People & Culture team within the HR department. The post owns the People Promise, the talent strategy and workforce planning, and oversees people systems and the use of AI in them. It sits alongside the CEO and Directors as their principal people adviser, with budget accountability and external representation.
What the job involves:
- Lead the People & Culture strategy and the People Promise, covering wellbeing, engagement, talent attraction and retention.
- Create and implement the talent strategy and a long-term workforce vision and plan with the CEO and Leadership Group.
- Lead organisational development and workforce planning, including leadership expectations and organisational structures.
- Ensure compliance with employment law, safeguarding (including PSEAH), DEI commitments and policies, and lead policy development.
- Advise the CEO and Directors on the people impact of change, growth and new programmes, and lead their implementation.
- Oversee people systems and technology, including the responsible adoption of AI.
- Lead recruitment and induction strategy and direct learning and development investment.
- Lead, manage and develop the People & Culture team, and manage its budget and resources.
- Act as escalation point for complex or sensitive people matters.
- Be principal People & Culture lead for the CEO, Directors and Leadership Group, and challenge senior leaders on people outcomes.
- Embed employee voice mechanisms and partner with leaders on inclusive leadership, wellbeing and flexible working.
- Represent the organisation externally and build partnerships across relevant networks.
What’s required:
Experience:
- Senior leadership in People & Culture, HR or organisational development.
- Proven delivery of strategic people initiatives that support growth and culture.
- Experience leading organisational change, workforce planning and OD programmes.
- Experience managing and developing a team delivering people services.
Skills & knowledge:
- Strong understanding of UK employment law, safeguarding and DEI best practice.
- Commercial awareness to balance legal, ethical, financial and cultural risk.
- Ability to build trusted relationships up to and including CEO level.
- Highly skilled communicator who conveys complex information clearly and sensitively.
- Ability to use people technology and data to derive insight and trends.
- Practical and curious, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Other:
- Commitment to War Child's mission and values, including safeguarding, PSEAH, DEI and belonging.
- Commitment to maintaining professional knowledge and ongoing development.
Nice to have:
- CIPD level 7 or equivalent qualification.
- Experience of working in charity, international development or another values-driven organisation.
- Skills in modernising people systems and adopting new technologies, including AI.
- Understanding of safeguarding in an international or humanitarian context.
- Interest or experience in employer branding or becoming an employer of choice.
- Experience developing and embedding holistic DEI strategies or culture-change initiatives.
Executive Head of People & Culture in London employer: War Child UK
War Child UK offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, focusing on employee wellbeing, engagement, and professional development. The organization emphasizes a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel valued and empowered. With opportunities for strategic leadership roles, employees can significantly impact the charity's mission while collaborating closely with senior leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head of People & Culture in London
✨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 War Child UK!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨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 War Child UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head of People & Culture in London
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 War Child UK. 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 War Child UK 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 War Child UK. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to War Child UK'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 War Child UK
✨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 War Child UK.
✨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 War Child UK 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 War Child UK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
