Assistant Director Of People & Organisational Development

Yolk Recruitment; Forest of Dean; Hybrid; GBP 78,000; Full time

Job summary

An organisation in social housing is seeking an Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development to lead significant transformation. The ideal candidate should have HR leadership experience, an understanding of employment law, and a people-focused approach. The role is pivotal in implementing a new people strategy within a collaborative and community-rooted organisation. This position offers a hybrid working model and a competitive salary of £77,431.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Social Housing Pension Scheme

Health cash back plan

Private medical insurance

Free parking

Qualifications

• Values-driven leader with experience in HR.
• Experience in public or not-for-profit sector preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through transformation.

Responsibilities

• Implement new people strategy and operational plan.
• Redefine the People team's role as business partners.
• Lead culture change initiatives and support leaders.

Skills

Proven experience in HR leadership

Strong understanding of employment law

Experience in organisational development

Collaborative, hands-on approach

CIPD Level 7 qualification

Education

CIPD Level 7

Job description

Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £77,431

Location: Gloucester (Hybrid working)

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week Mon - Fri

Are you an experienced people leader with a passion for organisational culture, development, and transformation? Do you thrive in values-led, community-rooted organisations where your impact is visible and meaningful? If so, this is your opportunity to make a real difference at Two Rivers Housing.

Two Rivers Housing, in partnership with Yolk Recruitment, is looking for a dynamic and strategic Assistant Director of People & OD to lead a journey of significant organisational transformation. The role will rebuild and strengthen the People & Culture function and embed a people-first ethos across the organisation.

Why This Role Matters

You will be pivotal in helping lead this change, restoring and growing the People & Culture function, embedding a business partner model, and driving a progressive people strategy that puts inclusion and employee wellbeing at its heart. You’ll be the strategic lead for People & Culture, with line management responsibility for the Head of Communications and two HR Business Partners, leading the strategic and operational planning and delivery of the portfolio of People and Communications services. This includes People administration, People Business Partnering, Organisational Development and Learning & Development. Your leadership will shape the evolution of the team, guiding senior leaders to take ownership of people matters confidently and effectively.

What You'll Lead

• People Strategy Implementation: Embed our new people strategy and operational plan, creating a culture where every colleague feels valued, included, and safe.
• Transformational Change: Redefine the People team’s role as true business partners to the organisation.
• Organisational Development: Lead culture change initiatives, support leaders through organisational growth, and develop structures that empower people.
• Wellbeing & Inclusion: Champion mental health, wellbeing, EDI and embed these into everyday practice.
• Leadership Development: Drive our commitment to grow and develop our talent through leadership, learning, and career pathways – engaging with the local community to raise awareness about career opportunities at Two Rivers Housing and social housing.
• Strategic Communications Oversight: Support the Head of Communications with strategic guidance while focusing on aligning people and culture messaging.

What We're Looking For

• Values-driven leader with proven experience in HR leadership and organisational development
• Strong understanding of employment law and modern HR practices
• Experience working in or with the public or not-for-profit sector (housing knowledge a bonus, not essential)
• Demonstrated ability to lead through transformation and change
• A collaborative, hands-on approach – strategic when needed, but always ready to roll up your sleeves
• HR Qualification – CIPD Level 7
• Project management, coaching or mentoring qualification would be desirable (ILM Level 5+)

What you get in return

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Social Housing Pension Scheme including life cover x3 annual salary. Two Rivers Housing - match plus 2% up to employer cap of 12% with a minimum Employee contribution of 4%
• Health cash back plan
• Private medical insurance
• Free parking

Why Join Two Rivers Housing?

Two Rivers Housing is one of the largest employers in the Forest of Dean, deeply committed to their local community. They partner with schools, universities, and local organisations to help raise aspirations and develop future talent. They are collaborative and focused on doing the right thing for their people and the people they serve.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to bring your people expertise to an organisation with purpose, apply today and help Two Rivers Housing build a thriving, inclusive, and future-ready workplace.

To Apply

For a full job description & further information, please contact Branwen Johns at Yolk Recruitment and submit your up-to-date CV and personal statement outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the essential criteria on the full job description.

Closing date: 23rd September

Initial meetings via Teams week of 6th October, formal interviews to be held week commencing 13th October (face to face)