Head of People

Job Location: Cowley House Depot, Watlington Road, Oxford but travel to other depots may be required.
As Head of People, you will lead all aspects of HR and people strategy across the Oxford Bus Company and its sister companies. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for overseeing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and talent management to performance, policies, diversity and inclusion, and occupational health. Your leadership will shape and enhance the employee experience, ensuring that the workforce is engaged, supported, and aligned with the company’s values and strategic goals.
The post attracts benefits of free travel, contributory pension, lifestyle discount scheme, employee assistance programme, 26 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays per annum.
- Develop and implement the Group’s people strategy, including action plans in response to staff surveys and feedback.
- Lead and manage a small HR team, overseeing key HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management, development, remuneration, and ensuring compliance with employment law.
- Represent the company at regular meetings with the trade union (UNITE) alongside the Directors, fostering positive industrial relations.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Go-Ahead Group on strategic HR projects, including the implementation of a new HR system.
- Analyse HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making within the Senior Leadership Team.
- Provide guidance and training to managers and staff on a range of HR issues, ensuring that both managers and staff are well-supported.
- Stay abreast of developments in employment law, ensuring the Group’s policies and practices remain compliant and aligned with the latest regulations.
- Lead key employment practices such as ACAS liaison, TUPE, and employment law training.
- Work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop talent management and development programmes to enhance skills and leadership within the business.
- Lead the management and renewal of the Investors in People (IIP) certification to promote a high standard of workplace culture.
- Contribute to and lead initiatives around diversity and inclusion within the company, ensuring a positive and inclusive work environment for all.
- CIPD-qualified or equivalent, with a strong understanding of HR best practices and people management.
- Extensive senior-level experience managing HR processes and culture in a large, diverse workforce.
- A strong passion for developing a people-centric culture and improving employee engagement across the business.
- Proven experience in driving recruitment programmes across various operational and administrative roles.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, numeracy, and literacy skills, with the ability to engage effectively with individuals at all levels.
- Well-developed stakeholder management skills, including the ability to liaise with trade unions and senior leadership teams.
- A proactive approach to challenging existing processes and implementing innovative ideas to improve company culture and HR practices.
- Experience working with unionised workforces would be advantageous.
- Strong relationship-building abilities, with a balanced approach to addressing HR issues in an empathetic yet assertive manner.
- Ability to work autonomously and take initiative, while engaging with staff across various operational levels.
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please send a short covering letter and CV to Sam Williams, People Operations Director
[email protected].