Head of HR & Operations - Job Description (Interim 9-month contract, 0.5-0.6FTE) Reporting to: Director of Finance & Operations Direct reports: Business Development & Operations Manager and the People Development Coordinator About us Collaborate CIC is at the forefront of pioneering collaborative approaches to social change and public services. As an innovative social consultancy and think tank, we are building the thinking, culture and practice of collaboration - across sectors - to help us meet the challenges of today, together. We work towards a vision of a collaborative society — one that is equitable, caring and sustainable. Ultimately, we believe that people and organisations can create a better future together than they can alone, and we bring this conviction, blended with cutting-edge thinking and practice, to all our work. Please see our website for more information about what we do. About the role We're looking for an experienced Head of HR & Operations, with a remit to lead a coordinated programme of change across our Operations and HR functions that links to our organisational strategy and business plan. You will bring the capacity and experience to drive improvements to our processes and policies, combined with a highly relational approach to managing their implementation. You’ll support the development of our operational team (the Enablers), building their capabilities to take on further responsibility. Job responsibilities will include, (but are not limited to): Operations – drive the implementation of new/improved policies and processes: Ensure that there are effective policies and processes in place to bring both oversight and attention to detail for the management across our project Work with Business Development & Operations Manager to ensure effective communication and data flows into our Resourcing meeting and appropriately outwards to inform and update the wider team Human Resources – drive implementation of new/improved policies and processes : Manage day-to-day HR issues with more legal implications (e.g. capability, disciplinary, sickness absences, which include some policy development), liaising with managers, individuals, Roots, our HR agency and supported by the Director of Finance & Operations and the People Development Coordinator Support the drive to improve people development at Collaborate through improved policies and their implementation, working with 2 others Oversee the effective management of our pool of Associates Management: Direct line management of Business Development & Operations Manager and the People Development Coordinator and some oversight of the Finance Administrator Develop their skills, experience and confidence of your reports, identifying ways in which they can progress and align with wider organisational objectives and priorities Support the development of other team members of the team to ensure the effectiveness of our operations Oversee our 4-person Enablers team and their work, supporting them to prioritise, develop organisational improvement plans and implement them Support effective ongoing business operations and continuity planning Organisational responsibilities: Attend and contribute to team sessions and discussions Report to SMT on operational matters, as required Challen ges of this role All roles have their challenges and we think it’s helpful to be open about these and set them out for you to consider if these are challenges you would embrace: a new role brings both challenges and the opportunity to make an impact establishing strong relationships will be key to the success of this role It will be important to determine the right level of consultation with team members for policies and processes to be both timely and effective About you This new role would suit someone who brings ideas and is driven to make improvements happen and is adept at building strong working relationships to support this remit for change. Experience Required: Values-aligned to our mission-driven organisation HR – experience of implementing HR policies and processes and managing day-to-day HR issues and queries Broader operational experience of driving a cohesive programme of improvement, developing policies and processes Management experience – with a track record of developing others Strong relational skills - developing and implementing policies and processes need to be underpinned by strong people skills. Attention to detail Some numeracy skills Skills You could be the right person for this job if you’re: Improvement-focused, identifying ways to equip people and an organisation to thrive Highly organised, prioritiser Skilled in and passionate about supporting the development of others Effective at managing change in an organisation, understanding all that it requires An excellent communicator (verbally and in writing), judging tone appropriately A strategic thinker, whilst also being adaptable Comfortable in a collaborative team environment, working together toward a shared purpose. About t he package Salary range : £40,000-45,000 pro rata Location : We’re a national organisation with an office in London. All of our team work in a hybrid way, which varies depending on role and location. This role requires at least 1 day per week/fortnight in the office during the induction period. Beyond that, you are required to come to London to coincide with each person you manage at least monthly. Working hours : preference is between 17.5-22.5 hours per week, (0.5-0.6FTE of our 37.5 working week), open to exploring flexible working requests that match organisational needs with personal needs/preferences Additional holiday over the winter holidays, on top of 25 days' (pro rata) holiday and bank holidays Pension contribution equal to 3% of your pro-rata salary Options for multi-purpose loans, bike-to-work scheme, eye tests, enhanced parental leave pay and we're open to exploring more... Being part of an inclusive, team-led, learning environment! Next steps Firstly, we would like to invite you to view our Role Information recording , where you will be able to hear a bit about the role and what sort of person we think would suit it. If you have questions, please email those to htomlinson@collaboratecic.com . Apply via the button below by midday on Monday 6th January 2025. Initial 30-minute phone call with Hannah Tomlinson , 6-10th January Interview 13-17th January (likely to be 17th Jan): you will meet Rebecc a and Tara If a final interview is required, 20th-22nd January, so that a decision can be made ASAP. We hope to make an offer by 24th January at the latest! Immediate start, or subsequent to any required notice period. At the end of the application process you'll receive insights into how well you performed and be invited to give anonymous feedback to us, or feel free to reach out to us to give more personalised input. We are an equal opportunities employer We seek to be a genuinely collaborative organisation, sharing ideas across the team through weekly team meetings and regular learning sessions. We collectively consider our broader strategy, examine and share learning across our projects, and explore how we might develop our work and our thinking. As a Living Wage employer, we believe in paying our team fairly, support flexible working and are committed to promoting equity of opportunity for all. Being equitable, inclusive and fair is not easy or simple and we are challenging ourselves, talking, working and learning about how we can continue to do this better. We aim to create an inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make the best use of their skills and are enabled to thrive. Please email Hannah Tomlinson ( htomlinson@collaboretcic.com ) if you have any questions.
