Chief People Officer

Premier Christian Communications Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief People Officer to lead HR strategy and operations. This pivotal role focuses on aligning people practices with the organization’s mission, fostering a supportive and high-performing culture. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior HR leadership experience, particularly in healthcare or charity sectors, and a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion. This position offers a competitive salary and a chance to make a significant impact in a rewarding environment dedicated to palliative care. If you are a compassionate leader with a strategic mindset, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Generous Leave

Pension

Wellbeing Support

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Senior HR leadership experience, preferably in healthcare or charity sectors.
• Proven record in culture change, diversity, and engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic People and Culture plan.
• Lead HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
• Oversee staff wellbeing initiatives and culture transformation programmes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Employee Relations

Communication

Cultural Competence

Change Management

Problem-Solving

Education

CIPD Level 7 in Strategic People Management

Additional Leadership/Coaching Qualifications

Job description

The Chief People Officer (CPO) is a senior leadership position responsible for developing and overseeing all aspects of the St Gemma's Hospice People strategy. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the CPO provides strategic and operational leadership to the organisation's Human Resources (HR) and organisational development functions.

Client Details

St Gemma's is a local, independent charity providing expert palliative care, research, and support to Leeds for over 45 years. It offers services in the Hospice and the community to support those with life-threatening illnesses. The Academic Unit is a partnership with the University of Leeds, focusing on research, training, and clinical practice. Funding comes mainly from fundraising, legacies, retail shops, with contributions from NHS and other sources.

Reporting & Objectives

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the primary goal of this role is to align the Hospice's people practices with its mission, values, and strategic objectives, fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing culture for staff and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Strategy
2. Develop and implement a strategic People and Culture plan aligned with the Hospice's mission and strategy.
3. Lead the HR team to ensure effective delivery of HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and performance management.
4. Foster a high-performance, diverse, and inclusive culture by guiding leadership decisions.
5. Provide HR insights and contribute to organisational strategy and governance.
6. Ensure the Hospice is an employer of choice with robust talent development and succession planning.
7. Contribute to the Hospice Executive team, supporting collaborative decision-making.

1. Organisational Development & Continuous Improvement
2. Lead initiatives in training, leadership development, and succession planning.
3. Implement continuous improvement programmes to enhance operational efficiency and workforce skills.
4. Develop and monitor a performance management framework promoting feedback, growth, and accountability.

1. Staff Wellbeing & Culture
2. Oversee initiatives promoting staff wellbeing, work-life balance, and mental health.
3. Lead culture transformation programmes aligned with organisational values.
4. Drive staff engagement and inclusivity initiatives.
5. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in HR practices.

1. Compliance & Risk Management
2. Ensure compliance with employment laws, health and safety, and statutory requirements.
3. Oversee HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are current and effective.
4. Manage risks related to disciplinary processes and crisis management.

1. Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
2. Provide senior-level advice and support on employee relations issues.
3. Support investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions as needed.

Profile

Experience: Senior HR leadership, preferably in healthcare, hospice, or charity sectors. Experience managing HR teams, strategic HR services, and supporting volunteers. Proven record in culture change, diversity, and engagement initiatives. Background in organisational development and continuous improvement.

Skills & Abilities: Leadership, strategic planning, employee and volunteer relations, excellent communication, cultural competence, change management, problem-solving.

Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 in Strategic People Management; additional leadership/coaching qualifications desirable.

Personal Attributes: Values-driven, compassionate, collaborative, resilient, proactive.

Job Offer

This role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an experienced HR leader passionate about hospice care. Salary: £85,000 - £95,000. Contract: 3-year fixed term, full or part-time considered. Benefits include generous leave, pension, wellbeing support, and professional development. The role demands high daily leadership visibility within the Hospice.