Assistant Director of People

Assistant Director of People WatfordSalary: £80,000 - £90,000Permanent 37 hours per weekThe VacancyOur client is looking for a leader who is excited by change and motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of workforce experience across their organisation.They are a Community Gateway housing association with over 13,500 homes across Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Their core focus is on providing good-quality places to live for lower-income households, and most of their homes are for social and affordable rent.They were formed in June 2026 through a merger, two well-respected housing associations with shared values, ideas, and geography. As a Community Gateway, theyre committed to putting their residents at the heart of everything they do. As well as working closely with residents to make sure, theyre delivering excellent services; they encourage them to become members so they can vote and make decisions which help to shape what they do.Introduction to the roleThis newly formed role will take responsibility for all People and HR matters across the organisation. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will help them achieve their strategic aims and objectives by actively contributing to corporate decision-making, policy formulation and business development. Youll ensure that robust controls are effectively operated across performance management and employee relations while embedding a culture of wellbeing, support and development.Role purposeReporting to the Chief People & Governance Officer, you will lead a Human Resources team of 10 people, bringing together two teams from legacy organisations, to provide a harmonised and comprehensive service for the entire employee lifecycle.To support engagement and retention, you will form a strong relationship with their Colleague Forum to deliver a competitive colleague reward offer that is externally benchmarked and regularly communicated to new and existing employees.You will support the Group in achieving its corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives, and work with all areas of the business to champion inclusivity and equality.To ensure the standard of the HR service is measured, you will gather and monitor relevant feedback and performance indicators, reporting to key parties and taking remedial action as necessary.Whats the role?Key Accountabilities:Providing strong strategic and operational leadership and direction to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the full range of services within HR; including business partnering, talent management, organisational development and reward managementDelivering workplace wellbeing, equity, and staff engagement initiativesLeading on structural transformation, workforce planning, and employment policy implementationLeading, monitoring and delivering complex projects on time within budget, whilst achieving stated outcomesDriving continuous improvement and innovation in HR practices, to influence positive change from all aspects of the employee journeyProactively lead and provide solutions to workforce challenges, in accordance with the organisation's strategic aims and objectivesWhat are they looking for?Essential:CIPD Accreditation (Level 7)In-depth knowledge of employment legislation including TUPEExperience of influencing at a senior levelAble to think and act independentlyExpertise in workforce equality, employee engagement, and organisational changeA passion for creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can belong and succeedExcellent communication, reporting and stakeholder management skills.Strong analytical capability, both in budget management and when using data to drive insight and improvementEnergy and enthusiasm for change, including the opportunity created by mergerStrong empathy and sensitivity to the needs and experience of both individuals and groupsWhat can they offer you?28 days annual leave (pro rata)Employer pension contribution of up to 11%Development opportunitiesComprehensive employee rewards schemeHow they workThey embrace agile working blending time in their communities, shared spaces, and remote working. With digital technology at the heart of their approach, they empower teams and individuals to work flexibly.How to applyIf this sounds like your next role, click apply now, tell then why youve got what it takes, and attach a copy of your current CV.Closing date: 16 August 2026Virtual interview: 21 August 2026In-person interview: 27 August 2026(Please note they reserve the right to close the vacancy early if they receive a large response.)TPBN1_UKTJ