Interim Head of People Partnering & ER

A fantastic interim opportunity for an experienced senior People leader to shape, lead and deliver a high-impact People Partnering and Employee Relationsfunction during a period of organisational change.

You'll oversee a dispersed team, support senior stakeholders, and drive a forward-looking people agenda that enhances organisational performance and employee experience.

Client Details

This is a forward-thinking national not-for-profit organisation with main office in York & Sussex , known for its commitment to creating meaningful change. The organisation is undergoing a period of change, requiring strong leadership within their People function to ensure stability, engagement and strategic alignment.

This role can be based remotely with the exception of being required to go onsite (either York or Sussex 1-2 days per month)

Description

As the Head of People Business Partnering & Reward, you will:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of Business Partners, ER specialists and reward professionals.
• Act as a senior advisor to operational and executive leaders, ensuring People considerations influence strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to shaping organisational people strategy, policy development and a consistent, values-led culture.

• Drive delivery of the full suite of people partnering and ER activities across the organisation.
• Provide expert guidance on complex ER cases, organisational change, restructures, TUPE and consultation.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice.

• Lead major people-related projects - including site changes, restructures, policy development and legislative updates.
• Use data and insights to drive performance and capability, identifying trends and implementing solutions.
• Build strong relationships between People teams and Operations, improving processes and service delivery.

• Represent the People function at senior leadership meetings, acting as a coach, challenger and trusted partner.
• Support resource planning, senior recruitment, and succession discussions.

Profile

You will be a credible, strategic and hands-on HR leader who brings:

• Significant experience leading People Partnering and/or ER functions at a senior level.
• Strong background in organisational change, complex ER, and strategic people planning.
• Proven experience working with executive leaders and influencing at senior levels.
• Expertise in reward, compensation and benefits design.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and best practice.
• Experience leading dispersed teams across multiple locations.

• A strategic thinker, able to turn insight into action.
• Strong leadership, coaching capability and team-development skills.
• Commercial, pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Resilient, organised and confident managing high-volume and fast-moving work.
• Comfortable working autonomously while driving collaboration.

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience.
• Additional HR-related or leadership qualifications desirable.

• Ability to travel to key sites 1-2 times per month (predominantly South of England and York

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £70,000 to £80,000 per annum.
• 12 month FTC
• Remote working opportunities, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• A fixed-term contract with the chance to make a significant organisational impact.
• Opportunity to contribute to the not-for-profit sector in a meaningful way.