Job Description

I am delighted to be partnering exclusively with a respected, purpose‑driven organisation to recruit their new Head of People. Reporting directly to the People Director, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping, driving and delivering the People Plan, ensuring all people initiatives are aligned with the wider organisational strategy.This role offers an ideal balance of strategic leadership and hands‑on operational oversight across the full employee lifecycle. You’ll lead People Operations, Talent Acquisition and People Partnering teams, while also acting as a dedicated business partner for a key Service area.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead the delivery of the People Strategy across Talent Acquisition, ER, Performance, Engagement, Reward and People Operations.
• Leadership of a team including HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition and HR Operations.
• Oversee complex Employee Relations casework, providing expert coaching, advice and guidance.
• Drive a forward‑thinking Talent Acquisition strategy, developing effective attraction campaigns and proactive talent pipelines.
• Lead and support people‑focused projects, including pay and reward, talent management and employee engagement initiatives.

Business Partnering & Organisational Development

• Partner with senior leaders to shape organisational design, manage change and continuous improvement.
• Take ownership for Business Partnering, a key division for the organisation.
• Champion culture, wellbeing, inclusion and belonging across all service areas.
• Provide inspiring leadership to the People team, ensuring effective management of the People budget.

Essential Criteria

• Extensive senior People leadership experience across generalist HR functions.
• Evidence of leading organisational change and transformation programmes.
• Ability to coach and influence senior leaders.
• Strong, current employment law knowledge.
• Experience working with people data, analytics, KPIs and metrics.
• Solid understanding of reward, pay and benefits structures.
• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Experience within complex regulated environments such as social care sector, education or similar
• Coaching qualification.
• Project management qualification or practical experience

Location / Travel / Ways of Working

• Hybrid working circa 3 days per week in Salisbury and other sites – this includes :
  • Circa 2 days on site in Salisbury for team development and, as there is a Business Partnering element to the role, there will be an expectation to travel some days per month.
  • Circa 1 trip per month with an overnight stay and other site travel circa 2 weeks in 4 depending on requirements.

Benefits

• Holiday – 25 days – plus 8 bank holidays
• Medical Case Back Plan
• Pension Scheme
• Hours – Full Time Mon–Thu 9:00–17:00, Fri 9:00–16:30

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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