Head of People

We are delighted to share this new and exciting opportunity for a Head of People to join our organisation.

As the voice of the UK’s co-operative movement, we empower and support co-operative enterprise with specialised knowledge and expertise, to grow the co-operative economy and create a fairer society. From football clubs and farms to convenience stores and pubs, there are more than 7,000 co-operatives in the UK, each owned and controlled by their members and based on a set of shared principles and values. By promoting shared wealth through member ownership, we are committed to enable anyone in the UK to form, or join, thriving and sustainable co-ops.

As Head of People, you will provide practical, professional and operational leadership on all people-related matters. Reporting to the Shared Services Lead, you will contribute to the development and delivery of our People Plan and manage HR operations, with the goal of achieving our vision that Co-operatives UK will be a beacon for the co-operative movement where our Values allow our People to thrive, grow and achieve.

As an organisation we are led by our unwavering values of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty, therefore if you share these core values, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Core responsibilities

We invite all interested parties to learn more about the role and our organisation within the recruitment pack, which can be downloaded from the recruitment documents section.

• HR Leadership and Delivery
  • Manage Co-operatives UK’s internal HR resource and external providers (where required) supporting the Shared Services Lead and wider Leadership Team in developing and implementing HR strategy, policies and procedures.
  • Support the CEO/Shared Services Lead and Leadership Team in developing next steps of the People Plan and strategy and be responsible for delivery of the People Plan ensuring practical implementation and measurable progress.
  • Advise and support the Leadership Team on workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, performance and wellbeing.
  • Work with the Shared Services Lead to develop and maintain effective pay, grading, and total reward package structures and policies that are fair, transparent and aligned with Co-operatives UK’s values and are financially affordable.
  • Prepare HR reports and papers for the Leadership Team and Board (and its Committees) on matters such as policy updates, pay and reward, and people data, and present these at meetings.
  • With support from the Shared Services Lead, provide the Remuneration Committee with assurance and expert advice relating to our people.
  • Support the Remuneration Committee chair in developing and implementing a new appraisal process for the CEO and Society Secretary.
  • Develop and implement performance management processes that promote learning, equity, and self-responsibility, helping to embed a constructive performance culture, using our HR system, and linked to our strategy and operating plan targets.
  • Lead initiatives focussing on inclusion, wellbeing and staff engagement, ensuring colleagues feel heard and supported.
• Policy, Compliance and Governance
  • Ensure HR policies are up to date, legally compliant and consistent with co-operative values of fairness, equality and transparency.
  • Support the Shared Services Lead in maintaining effective HR governance, including accurate reporting and risk management.
  • Lead regular policy reviews, equality impact assessments and consultation with staff.
  • Ensure consistent and fair application of policies and procedures across the organisation.

• Organisational Development and Culture
  • Work closely with the Shared Services Lead and Leadership Team to support a positive, collaborative and values-driven culture.
  • Coordinate and deliver learning and development programmes that build capability across the organisation.
  • Support internal communications and engagement activities that strengthen collaboration and trust.

• Employee Relations and Day-to-Day HR Operations
  • Line manage Co-operatives UK’s HR Coordinator, providing support and guidance and ensuring delivery against the LT’s strategic priorities, including but not limited to:
• The provision of comprehensive day to day HR administration and support
• Coordinating the HR delivery of the organisation’s strategic aim regarding young people through initiatives such as the national youth forum and working with apprenticeship training providers
• Coordinating the organisation’s work on DEI, supporting the LT with the ongoing development, management, and implementation of the DEI plan
  • Provide professional HR advice to line managers on employee relations, recruitment, and performance issues, seeking advice and guidance from our inhouse legal experts as required.
  • Maintain constructive and transparent working relationships with recognised trade unions, ensuring effective consultation and collaboration in line with our co-operative values.
  • Work with our member-facing HR Advice team to ensure that internal HR practices are consistent with co-operative HR best practice.
  • Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and exit processes to ensure a positive and inclusive employee experience.
  • Maintain accurate HR records and manage confidential information appropriately.

Essential skills

• Level 7 CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
• Proven experience as an HR Manager, with broad expertise in HR strategy development, employee relations, and culture development, ideally in a values-driven or membership organisation
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering people initiatives that support organisational growth
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across multiple levels
• Able to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism
• Exceptional organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Proficient in HR systems and Microsoft Office

Benefits

At Co-operatives UK we are a mindful, inclusive, and equal opportunities employer. As an organisation that is owned and controlled by its members, we put our people at the forefront of all that we do. We offer:

• Flexible working options
• Pension scheme
• Discounted travel to work schemes
• Employee wellbeing assistance programme including free eye tests
• Personal and professional growth and development, including coaching
• Trade union

To apply please follow our application process and complete the application form – CVs cannot be accepted: www.uk.coop/careers

Application deadline: Midnight, Friday 16 January 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 27 January 2026 in Manchester.