Head of People Services

Exeter, England / People / Permanent full-time

Apply Now

Head of People Services

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

Are you looking for an opportunity to drive sustainable and measurable change to deliver positive impacts for our colleagues?

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced and driven Head of People Services to join our People & Culture Directorate in Exeter.  You will receive a competitive salary plus a generous car allowance and excellent benefits package.

About the role:
The Head of People Services will lead and manage the all-people transactional services, ensuring the effective delivery of payroll, HR systems, contract and recruitment administration, onboarding activities and data reporting. This role is critical in driving operational excellence, providing seamless transactions and delivering to set service level agreement with each business unit across the Group. 

What you'll be doing:

  • Developing and implementing a plan for continuous improvement across the people services team. Leading, mentoring, and developing the People Services team. Foster a positive and collaborative team culture.
  • Leading on change programmes and initiatives across the HR function and wider organisation delivering effective and efficient value-added solutions.
  • Overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. Ensure compliance with all relevant payroll laws and regulations. Manage relationships with payroll vendors and service providers.
  • Ensuring data integrity and security within HR systems. Provide training and support to HR staff and employees on HR systems.
  • Leading on integration of all aspects of HR administration, including employee records management, learning and management, recruitment and HR reporting. Ensure efficient and effective HR administrative processes.
  • Ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Lead on the automation of core HR activities.
  • Developing and managing HR data analytics and reporting processes. Provide useful insights and recommendations to help guide decision making to allow the Group to make effective people and cost-based outcomes. Provide timely reporting on a weekly and monthly basis.
  • Acting as a champion for company culture and support all engagement initiatives, either across the Group or within the HR team.
  • Facilitating the development of standard operating procedures and services standards, ensuring that these are monitored to ensure the highest quality.

    • What we are looking for:

  • Demonstrable experience in an HR leadership role, with a focus on payroll, HR systems, employee relations, and data reporting.
  • Strong knowledge of HR laws and regulations.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in HR systems and technology.
  • CIPD level 5 qualification preferred.
  • Experience in a similar role within a large organisation.

    • What's in it for you:


    • We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing support and development for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
    In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
  • Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays, with an option to buy / sell leave offering you extra flexibility
  • Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
  • A company car or cash for car allowance
  • A company bonus
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Competitive Contributory Pension
  • Invest in Pennon through our employee Sharesave scheme
  • Shared parental leave
  • Look after your wellbeing through our Champion Health support platform
  • Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers
  • Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, online retailer, travel, eating out, cinema, gyms and more through Perkbox
    • Closing Date: Thursday 3rd April, 2025

    Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
     
    Our core values which are essential to our success are:
     
    Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
    Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
    Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

    Apply Now

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    Can’t find what you’re looking for?

    We're always pleased to hear from talented people. So if you have any questions about the opportunities that we have available, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don't hesitate to send your details to our Talent Acquisition Team.

    Make a speculative application
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