Director of People & Culture

About the Role

SettleParadigm Housing Group is seeking a Director of People & Culture to join their senior leadership team during a crucial phase of growth following recent mergers and acquisitions. This full-time, permanent position is based in Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, or Letchworth Garden City, with a hybrid working pattern of two days in the office and three days remote per week, totaling 37 hours weekly.

The successful candidate will lead an established People & Culture function, driving both strategic initiatives and operational excellence. The role involves collaborating closely with the Executive Leadership Team to embed cultural values, enhance leadership capabilities, and improve organisational effectiveness while supporting service delivery across a growing housing group managing over 30,000 homes.

Key Responsibilities

• Embed the organisation's culture and new ways of working post-merger.
• Strengthen the Business Partnering model within the People function.
• Develop leadership skills throughout the organisation.
• Enhance employee engagement and overall organisational effectiveness.
• Identify and implement improvements in HR systems, processes, and service delivery.
• Support organisational design and future People strategy development.

Candidate Profile

This role requires an experienced HR leader with a strategic mindset and collaborative approach. The ideal candidate will possess extensive senior HR leadership experience, particularly in Business Partnering, employee relations, and employment law. They will champion continuous learning, demonstrate excellent stakeholder management, and have a commercial yet empathetic mindset.

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• Proven leadership in designing and executing people and organisational development strategies in complex and change-driven environments.
• Strong business acumen and financial management skills.
• Ability to leverage data and insights to create persuasive business cases and influence senior leaders.
• Track record in leading organisational culture change and embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Experience advising and influencing Executive teams and Board members.
• Background in wellbeing and workforce resilience strategies.
• Familiarity with HR systems, data analytics, and digital transformation initiatives in people management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Understanding or commitment to developing knowledge of social housing policies and regulatory frameworks.

Skills

• Strategic thinker capable of delivering measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Effective report writing for high-level audiences.
• Team leadership fostering motivation aligned with the organisation's vision and values.
• Confident, independent decision-making.
• Resilience and proactiveness in driving positive organisational change.

Qualifications

• A degree qualification and Level 7 CIPD or equivalent professional accreditation is required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary between £115,000 and £120,000, depending on experience.
• 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, with options to buy extra leave.
• Generous pension scheme contributing up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice.
• Enhanced family-friendly leave entitlements including maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Health cash plan covering up to £1,800 annually for everyday health costs, with free coverage for children.
• Life insurance and income protection plans.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, modern offices, free parking, and electric vehicle charging facilities.
• Mental Health First Aiders available for support.
• Optional car leasing via salary sacrifice for permanent employees.
• Funding for training, qualifications, and apprenticeships.
• Three paid volunteering days to support local communities.
• Peer recognition rewards platform and coverage for one professional subscription annually.

Working Hours

• Workweek consists of 37 hours, Monday through Friday.
• A minimum requirement of two on-site working days per week.

Inclusion Commitment

The organisation is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities served. Applications are encouraged from individuals of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, disabled persons, neurodiverse individuals, LGBTQ+ members, and those from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Recruitment Process

Reasonable adjustments are provided throughout the recruitment process to accommodate candidates' needs. Applicants should communicate any requirements in advance. Due to the nature of the role, which may involve working with vulnerable people, a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure check will be conducted following a conditional offer.

Application Deadline

Applications close on Friday, 7th August; however, the vacancy may be closed earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.