Head of HR – Maternity Leave Cover

The Edmund Trust; Waterbeach; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity organization in Waterbeach is seeking a Head of HR for maternity leave cover. Responsibilities include managing HR strategic direction, leading the HR team, and ensuring effective HR policies. Candidates must have CIPD accreditation and a minimum of 3 years' HR management experience. The role offers a salary range of £61,366 to £71,996 per annum and is a flexible fixed-term contract, requiring 35 hours of work per week with options for part-time hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience managing an HR function.
• Experience in charity or not-for-profit sector preferred.
• Robust Employment Law knowledge is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage HR strategic direction and policies.
• Lead the HR team effectively.
• Contribute to change management and organizational transformation.

Skills

Post qualifying experience in HR

Knowledge of Employment Law

Effective communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership and coaching skills

Organzational skills

ICT skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Education

CIPD Level 5 or Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

HR databases

Job description

We are looking for someone to join our Senior Management Team as a Head of HR for a fixed term contract as a maternity leave cover. This is a fixed term contract due to commence mid-February 2026 for up to a year.

Our SMT is made up of our CEO, Head of Operations, Head of HR and Head of Finance.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of HR is responsible for;

• The HR strategic direction and long term growth of the organisation
• The provision of effective and efficient HR policies and processes
• The HR Function and effective management of the HR Team

Please note, to be considered for this role, it is essential that you hold accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) at a minimum of Level 5 (with Level 7 desirable) or a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or a Business-related subject.

We are looking for someone who has;

• A minimum of 3 years’ post qualifying experience or substantial experience of managing an HR function, ideally with experience of working in a similar sector / charity or not for profit sector
• In depth knowledge of Employment Law with robust, all–round technical experience
• The ability to communicate effectively to people at all levels inside and outside the organisation
• Superior interpersonal skills and a positive, approachable manner able to ensure their own behaviour is aligned with the values of the charity – Commitment, Collaboration and Positive Interactions
• Is flexible and imaginative – able to utilise a variety of approaches to working and to providing solutions
• Has experience of board reporting, provision of advice and narrative
• Has experience of change management and making an active contribution to transforming organisations
• The ability to lead the development of effective employment policies
• A hands on approach to management and a team player with leadership skills; including the ability to coach, influence and energise others
• Exceptional organisational skills
• Excellent ICT skills, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint and HR databases

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please do contact us at [e-mail] and we will arrange this for you.

The role:

Job Title:Head of HR – Maternity Leave Cover

Salary:£61,366 to £71,996 per annum dependent on experience (35 hours per week, although we will consider candidates wanting to work part time hours, a minimum of 28 hours per week)

Employment:Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover (up to 1 year)

Hours of Work:Monday to Friday with the ability to work flexibly as and when required

To apply please complete our application form and send a covering letter outlining the reasons for your application to [e-mail].

The closing date forapplications is Thursday 1st January 2026, with interviews being held Monday 5th, Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th January 2026 at our Head Office in Waterbeach.

About Us

The Edmund Trust & Eddie’s has been proudly supporting people across the East of England with learning & physical disabilities, autism and complex needs for over seventy years. We work to provide lifelong opportunities and create positive lifestyles for people to be equal and active members of the community.

We provide person-centred support, allowing individuals to choose how they want to live their lives, enabling them to reach their full potential. We encourage people to achieve their aspirations with outcome focused support. Working alongside our values of Commitment, Collaboration and Positive Interactions.