Head of People

Head of People

We are delighted to share this new and exciting opportunity for a Head of People to join a values-driven and dynamic organisation.

Position: Head of People
Location: Manchester
Salary: £48,985 per annum (pro rata to 21 hours - £29,391)
Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week (21 hours)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Hybrid working, with at least 1 day per week in the Manchester office

Closing Date: Midnight, Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 27 January 2026, in Manchester

Benefits: Flexible working options, pension scheme, discounted travel to work schemes, employee wellbeing assistance programme including free eye tests, personal and professional growth and development including coaching, trade union.

We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable candidate be found before this date. Applicants must apply via the application form on our website - CVs cannot be accepted.

About the role:

As Head of People, you will lead all people-related activity across the organisation, providing practical and professional HR leadership. Reporting to the Shared Services Lead, you will drive the delivery of the People Plan, ensuring people practices reflect co-operative values and support strategic goals.

This role offers the opportunity to shape organisational culture, support senior leaders and help create an inclusive, engaging workplace where people can thrive.

Key responsibilities:

HR leadership and delivery

• To lead the organisation's HR function, managing internal HR resource and external providers where required.
• To support the CEO, Shared Services Lead and Leadership Team in developing and delivering the People Plan, ensuring practical implementation and measurable progress.
• To advise and support the Leadership Team on workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, performance and wellbeing.
• To develop and maintain fair, transparent and financially sustainable pay, grading and reward structures aligned with organisational values.
• To prepare and present HR reports and papers to the Leadership Team, Board and Committees, including the Remuneration Committee.
• To support the Remuneration Committee with expert HR advice, including the development of appraisal processes for senior roles.

Policy, compliance and governance

• To ensure HR policies are up to date, legally compliant and aligned with co-operative values.
• To support effective HR governance, including reporting, risk management and equality impact assessments.
• To lead regular policy reviews and staff consultation, ensuring consistent and fair application across the organisation.

Organisational development and culture

• To work closely with the Shared Services Lead and Leadership Team to foster a positive, collaborative and values-led culture.
• To coordinate and deliver learning and development programmes that build organisational capability.
• To support internal communications and engagement activity that strengthens trust and collaboration.

Employee relations and HR operations

• To line manage the HR Coordinator, ensuring delivery against organisational priorities.
• To provide professional HR advice to managers on employee relations, recruitment and performance matters, seeking legal advice where appropriate.
• To maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions, ensuring effective consultation.
• To oversee recruitment, onboarding and exit processes, ensuring a positive and inclusive employee experience.
• To ensure accurate HR records are maintained and confidential information is handled appropriately.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will be passionate about people, values-driven leadership, and creating inclusive and supportive workplaces.

You will bring:

• A Level 7 CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
• Proven experience as an HR Manager or similar senior HR role, ideally within a values-led or membership organisation
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience developing and delivering people strategies that support organisational growth
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• The ability to manage sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion

About the organisation:

As the voice of the UK's co-operative movement, we empower and support co-operative enterprises with specialised knowledge and expertise, to grow the co-operative economy and create a fairer society. From football clubs and farms to convenience stores and pubs, there are more than 7,000 co-operatives in the UK, each owned and controlled by their members and based on a set of shared principles and values.

As an organisation we are led by our unwavering values of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty, therefore if you share these core values, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Other roles you may have experience in could include Head of HR, HR Manager, People and Culture Lead, Senior HR Business Partner, Director of People, or HR Lead.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.