Head of HR

NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable social enterprise in Belfast seeks a Head of Human Resources to lead a dynamic HR function crucial for shaping its people strategy and workplace culture. This strategic role involves developing HR strategies aligned with organizational goals, engaging employees, and representing the organization externally. Ideal candidates will have substantial HR experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to improving community services.

Benefits

28 days annual leave and 12 public holidays

Hybrid working arrangement

Death in service payment x3 annual salary

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Health cash plan

Qualifications

• Experience in leading HR strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Strong understanding of business operations.
• Ability to attract and retain high-performing talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR function and shape the organization’s people strategy.
• Attract, develop, and retain talent while fostering a culture of improvement.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and represent the organization externally.

Skills

Leadership

Employee Engagement

Strategic Planning

Education

Relevant HR qualification

Job description

As Head of Human Resources at Choice Housing, you will lead a dynamic HR function that plays a central role in shaping the organisation’s people strategy and workplace culture. This is a strategic leadership opportunity with influence that extends across the entire business.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering progressive HR strategies aligned with organisational goals and championing employee engagement. You will be instrumental in attracting, developing, and retaining high-performing talent, while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence within the HR team.

This highly autonomous and public facing role positions you as the most senior HR leader in the organisation. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, represent Choice in external forums, and contribute meaningfully to cross-organisational initiatives. A strong understanding of both HR and broader business operations is essential to driving success and innovation in this post.

At Choice, you will have the platform to shape not only the HR agenda—but the future of the organisation.

Why work for us?

Our mission is clear: to enrich the lives of our tenants and communities through great homes and services. As a charitable, not-for-profit social enterprise, we reinvest all surpluses back into our communities. With a strong values-driven approach—Caring, Committed, and Creative—we work to build inclusive, sustainable, and thriving neighbourhoods.

We are a dynamic group structure comprising:

• Choice Housing Ireland Ltd – our core social housing arm
• Choice Services – delivering responsive repairs and maintenance
• Maple & May – our mixed-tenure and private rental subsidiaries

We are also a future-focused organisation, tackling key societal challenges such as homelessness, social inclusion, tenancy sustainment, and the decarbonisation of homes.

Our employees have access to a range of benefits:-

• 28 days annual leave and 12 public holidays,
• Essential car user allowance inclusive of car parking (details in pack),
• Hybrid working- currently 3 remote days per week,
• Flexible working (details in pack),
• Death in service payment x3 annual salary,
• 6 months’ paid maternity leave and 2 weeks paid paternity leave
• Dedicated Health and Wellbeing champions/Mental Health First Aiders,
• Learning and Development opportunities,
• Health cash plan to include annual routine dental treatments, dental accident & injury, yearly optical, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and scans, complementary therapies e.g. physiotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic treatments, alternative therapies e.g. reflexology, head massage, allergy testing, and yearly health screening.

Completed applications should be returned by 5pm, Wednesday 30 th July2025.

Please be advised that failure to clearly state or reflect the essential criteria in your CV may result in your application not being shortlisted. Your CV must clearly demonstrate all essential criteria outlined in the job description, including an overview of relevant projects, specific skills, and any systems or tools used, where applicable.

Choice Housing is committed to a fair and efficient recruitment process. This role involves a single-stage interview designed to assess the candidate’s skills and experience against the essential criteria.

Shortlisting will occur week commencing 4 th August 2025

Interviews will occur week commencing 11 th August 2025

Please note, the Association reserves the right to create a reserve list following the interview process.

NB: The panel may enhance the criteria in order to facilitate short-listing of the post.

“Choice Housing Ireland Limited is an Equal Opportunities Employer”