Head of People & Culture – Nurseries

Head of People & Culture – Multi-Award-Winning Early Years ProviderSalary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (potential flexibility for the right candidate)Location: Hybrid role with satellite offices in Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham – candidates within commutable distance of these areas are encouraged to applyFull-Time, Permanent

Remit

Compass Corporate Services are proud to be partnering exclusively with a purpose-driven organisation entering an exciting new phase of growth. Known for delivering life-changing experiences for children and young people, the organisation currently operates more than 15 services across the South West, Midlands and Wales.

Since receiving external investment, the business has scaled significantly, doubling its workforce in recent years with further acquisitions underway. It has also been formally recognised as a leading employer, reflecting its commitment to building a values-led, inclusive culture with high levels of employee engagement.

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Head of People & Culture to shape and lead the People function through this period of transformation. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this is a high-impact role offering genuine scope for future progression.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief People and Marketing Officer, the Head of People & Culture will be responsible for driving people strategy and overseeing HR operations across multiple sites. This will include responsibility for performance management, recruitment, workforce planning, engagement and organisational development.

This is a true generalist opportunity, covering the full breadth of HR responsibilities including culture, recruitment, engagement, development, compliance and operational delivery. The successful candidate will bring a hands-on, well-rounded approach to people leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading people initiatives that drive a positive, high-performing and inclusive culture
• Enhancing recruitment and onboarding practices to meet the needs of a growing organisation
• Supporting organisational change and acquisition integration
• Managing and developing a small in-house team
• Using engagement data and insights to inform retention strategies
• Ensuring compliance with HR policies, safer recruitment and employment legislation

Location

This is a hybrid role with travel required on occasion. The organisation operates satellite offices in Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff, and candidates based within regular commuting distance of any of these locations are encouraged to apply.

Essential Criteria

• Strong HR generalist experience, including leadership of people teams
• Proven ability to drive cultural change and embed organisational values
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Experience within early years, nurseries, or related sectors such as healthcare or education would be highly valued
• Ability to influence and build strong relationships across multiple functions
• CIPD Level 5+ (or equivalent experience)
• Flexible and comfortable with travel when required

The Candidate

This role would suit a credible, proactive People leader who is equally comfortable setting strategy and delivering operationally. You will bring a pragmatic and thoughtful approach to people leadership, with a track record of making a tangible impact in growth environments. Experience within early years or nursery settings, or wider healthcare or education sectors, would be an advantage. You will be passionate about building cultures where people can thrive and see this opportunity as a genuine step towards a future senior leadership role.

Package & Benefits

• £60,000 – £70,000 salary
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay and family leave policies
• Wellbeing programme and Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing professional development and leadership coaching
• Clear pathway to further senior leadership opportunities

Interview Process

This is a multi-stage interview process to be confirmed upon Candidate availability.

Contact Details

If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please email an updated CV to ijohnson@compassltd.co.uk

Recommendations

Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer a £200 John Lewis voucher for a successful recommendation following the completion of probation/rebate.

Compass Associates, established in 2009, is an award-winning, UK specialist Health and Social Care Recruitment Consultancy providing tailored, high quality recruitment solutions for all permanent assignments.