Head of People & HR Location: Manchester Salary: £65,000–£80,000 per annum, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate Contract: Permanent preferred; interim candidates also welcome Interim day rate: £300–£400 per day, depending on experience The Opportunity New Way Recruitment is supporting a specialist care organisation we have worked with for several years in its search for a Head of People & HR. The organisation supports adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. It is looking for an experienced HR leader who understands how strong people practices contribute to stable teams, effective services and positive outcomes for the people they support. This is an opportunity to shape the people function within a medium-sized organisation. You will work closely with senior leaders, bring a clear vision for the HR team and have the scope to improve how things work in practice. The preference is for a permanent appointment, although the organisation would also welcome discussions with experienced interim leaders. The Role As Head of People & HR, you will lead the people function at both a strategic and operational level. You will take time to understand the organisation, its services and its commercial priorities, then turn that understanding into practical improvements. Key responsibilities will include: Setting a clear direction for the HR team and building effective, consistent ways of working. Advising senior leaders and operational managers on complex people matters. Leading employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability and performance cases. Reviewing and improving HR policies, processes, documentation and governance. Strengthening recruitment, retention, workforce planning and employee engagement. Supporting managers to develop confident, capable and accountable teams. Ensuring people practices support safe, high-quality care across multiple services. Working with operational, quality and compliance teams on shared priorities. Supporting organisational change and wider people projects. Using people data and commercial insight to identify risks, set priorities and measure progress. About You We are looking for someone with the judgment to understand what is working, the confidence to challenge what could be better and the ability to explain how they would make change happen. You will ideally bring: Significant senior HR or People leadership experience, preferably in social care, supported living, healthcare or another regulated environment. A strong understanding of UK employment law and complex employee relations. A clear vision for building and developing an effective HR function. The ability to work closely with senior leaders and align people priorities with the organisation’s wider direction. Curiosity about the commercial and operational side of the business, including how people decisions affect service delivery. A practical track record of improving processes, shaping teams and delivering lasting change. The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on support when needed. A fair, compassionate and commercially aware approach. A CIPD qualification or equivalent senior-level HR experience, which would be highly desirable. Why Consider This Opportunity? The chance to make a meaningful impact within a medium-sized care organisation. Scope to shape the HR function and influence how it develops. A role that combines senior leadership, practical problem-solving and close collaboration with operations. An organisation that recognises the link between its people and the quality of care it provides. A salary of £65,000–£80,000 per annum, with potential flexibility for the right person. Consideration for an interim appointment for candidates who can offer the right experience and approach. If you are an HR leader who can bring people with you, improve what needs improving and articulate a clear plan for doing so, we would love to hear from you. This is a discreet appointment. Further information will be shared with suitable candidates during the recruitment process. Our Promise At New Way Recruitment, we believe in Heart-Led Hiring in Care. Guided by our ethos of “Recruiting with Care, Placing with Purpose”, we offer every candidate a confidential, individually tailored recruitment experience. If this opportunity sounds like the right next step for you, please get in touch. We’re here to help. INDHP
