South Essex College of Further and Higher Education
Chief People Officer
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Chief People Officer
At South Essex Colleges Group, we're looking for an inspirational Chief People Officer to join our Executive Team and help shape the next chapter of our organisation. This is a rare opportunity to influence strategy at the highest level while creating a culture where over 800 colleagues can thrive and, in turn, transform the lives of more than 8,600 learners every year.
This is far more than a traditional HR leadership role.
We're seeking a strategic, commercially-minded executive who believes that culture, leadership and people are at the heart of organisational success. You'll play a pivotal role in developing a high-performing, inclusive and values-led organisation that delivers exceptional outcomes for learners, employers and communities.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Group Deputy CEO & CIO, you'll be a trusted adviser to the Executive Team and Corporation Board, leading an ambitious people agenda that supports organisational transformation and long-term success.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Shape and deliver an ambitious Group-wide People Strategy
- Lead organisational culture and leadership transformation
- Build a modern, strategic People function that adds measurable value
- Develop outstanding leadership capability across the organisation
- Drive workforce planning, talent development and employee engagement
- Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing
- Lead major organisational change programmes
- Provide executive leadership on workforce strategy, governance and organisational performance
- Act as the College Group's Data Protection Officer, ensuring excellence in information governance and compliance.
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About You
You're an experienced executive leader who understands that great organisations are built through great leadership and an outstanding colleague experience.
You'll bring:
- Significant experience as a Chief People Officer, HR Director, People Director or equivalent executive leadership role
- A proven track record of leading large-scale cultural transformation
- Experience advising Boards and Executive Teams
- Success in transforming HR into a strategic, insight-led business function
- Strong experience leading organisational change and workforce transformation
- Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and leadership skills
- Strategic vision combined with commercial awareness and sound judgement
- CIPD Chartered Membership (Level 7) and degree-level qualification.
Experience within Further Education, Higher Education or another complex, regulated environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why South Essex Colleges Group?
South Essex Colleges Group is one of the largest further education providers in the region, committed to delivering outstanding education and skills that change lives, strengthen communities and support regional economic growth. Our people are central to achieving these ambitions, and this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting organisational impact.
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We offer an excellent benefits package, including:
- 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays and College closure days
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Extensive professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free breakfast at most campuses during term time
- Free on-site parking (subject to eligibility)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Vivup benefits platform
- RAC discounts and a wide range of additional staff benefits.
Join Us
If you're an ambitious, values-driven executive who is passionate about creating workplaces where people flourish, we'd love to hear from you.
Help us shape the future of South Essex Colleges Group—and the futures of thousands of learners across our communities.
To apply for the role please visit our website: https://southessexcollegeoffurtherandhighereducation-hr.accessacloud.com/AccessSelect.recruit/Recruitment/Vacancies.aspx
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