Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development

Yolk Recruitment; Newent; Hybrid; GBP 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Assistant Director of People & Organisational Development for a prominent position within a community-focused organisation. This full-time role based in Newent offers a salary of £77,431 and hybrid working options. The ideal candidate will drive culture change and leadership development while ensuring a progressive people strategy focusing on inclusion and employee wellbeing.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Health cash back plan

Private medical insurance

Social Housing Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR leadership and organisational development.
• Strong understanding of employment law and modern HR practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through transformation and change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the new people strategy and operational plan.
• Champion mental health, wellbeing, EDI and embed these into practice.
• Drive leadership development through engaging with the local community.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Understanding of employment law

Experience in public/not-for-profit sector

Change management

Collaborative approach

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification

ILM Level 5+ (preferable)

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.

Yolk Recruitment is working in partnership with Two Rivers Housing who are looking for a dynamic and strategic Assistant Director of People & OD to help them on a journey of significant organisational transformation, and this role is central to driving that forward. Not only will you be rebuilding and strengthening the People & Culture function, but embedding a people‑first ethos across everything they do.

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 X2 HR BP's, leading the strategic and operational planning and delivery of the portfolio of People and Communications services. Including People administration, People Business Partnering, Organisational Development and Learning and 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 2 Rivers and social housing.

Strategic Comms Oversight: Support the Head of Comms with strategic guidance while focusing on aligning people and culture messaging.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a 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 qualification

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 3 x 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're 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)