Willmott Dixon are looking to recruit a Local Head of People to partner with our Group IT and Sustainability and Compliance teams. You will bring a people perspective to business decisions and ensure that our people's engagement, wellbeing, development, performance and succession, underpins our ability to achieve our business plans.

To deliver this role most effectively you will be based at our Head office in Letchworth Garden City but you will also be supported to work from home so that you can achieve a work/life balance. This role is a 12-month fixed term contract (maternity cover).

Reporting to the Group Head of People (Operations), you will also work closely with the Group People team and your experience and ability will enable you to:

• Lead the people engagement survey locally and develop plans to deliver continuous improvement in the engagement and recognition of people in the region
• Provide coaching to leaders to develop complementary high-performance teams and drive accountability. Maximise funding opportunities for the region.
• Proactively identify and address organisational development issues by working with the local leadership teams to assess performance gaps, as well as any learning and development needs
• Be a trusted adviser to the board of directors on all people related matters
• Ensure that the impact of business decisions on people is fully taken into consideration
• Provide pastoral support and protect the business by supporting managers in the identification and management of wellbeing across the team and within working practices.
• Deal with ER matters relating to the board or when required
• Ensure high performer potential is realised and poor performance is tackled through growing the skills of our managers in holding difficult conversations through to conclusion.
• Use business analytics to measure our people, make recommendations for improvement, change and growth
• Proactively share best practice and learning and be prepared to support other regional companies when required.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

Essential requirements:

• Proven ability to build strong relationships
• Have a growth mindset and a strong coaching approach
• Be empathetic
• Be commercially focused and a problem solver
• Proven HR experience that includes employee relations
• Have a 'one team' mentality
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable requirements:

• CIPD qualified
• Previous experience of working in a matrix managed environment and ideally an understanding of the ITIL framework

Additional Information

Willmott Dixon embraces diversity in the workplace and will consider flexible and agile working. We are a disability confident employer.

Benefits: We reward our people generously with a competitive package that gives you flexible benefits to fit your lifestyle and priorities. This includes but is not limited to, an enhanced pension scheme, discounted or full private medical, life assurance, incentive bonus and a car scheme which will make us a market leader in sustainable company travel. Applicable roles will benefit from a motoring expenditure allowance (MEA) and everyone can access a new generation of low carbon and electric cars via the Willmott Dixon run car leasing scheme.

About Us

With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.Construction is changing and we are at the forefront of that change. Pioneering new ways to build, innovating the way construction is viewed and establishing ourselves as one of the top employers in any industry. It truly is an amazing company in one of the most exciting industries with a vast array of professional career paths. Adding to that our numerous people awards, we understand everyone has a unique potential and ability to make a difference and succeed; if you want your skills developed and talent recognised, why not join our business!Willmott Dixon was awarded No 1 in the Best "Big" Companies (2022) to work for and is on the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024.