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Head of People and Culture

FareShare • No location specified • Full-time

$70,000

per year

leadership HR People Strategy Culture EDI

Job Description

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title: Head of People and Culture

Reporting to: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Location: London (Hybrid), with Travel across the UK

Contract type: Permanent

Hours per week: 35hrs per week (28hrs considered)

Salary: £70,000 (stretch to £75,000)

Our Vision: A UK where “No good food goes to waste”.

Over the past three decades, FareShare has grown to become the UK’s leading surplus food redistribution charity — trusted by thousands of frontline organisations, powered by dedicated staff and volunteers, and rooted in the communities we serve.

There has never been a more exciting time to join an organisation at the heart of public consciousness. For more information visit: www.fareshare.org.uk

FareShare is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities and as a Disability Confident Employer, we provide reasonable adjustments.

We aim to recruit from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our commitment to redistributing surplus food, come and join us.

The role

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of People who will help build a high functioning HR team and accompanying processes and systems. You will lead on all aspects of our people strategy, from recruitment and retention to wellbeing, equity, and culture. You'll be a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the COO, directors and managers to align our HR approach with our mission and growth ambitions and responsible for the leadership, motivation, coaching and smooth running of the HR team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead FareShare’s HR strategy in line with our vision, mission and purpose.
Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders on people matters, workforce planning, and organisational development.
Champion an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive workplace culture based on FareShare’s core values.

Team Leadership

Manage and support our People and Culture team, fostering professional growth and accountability.
Ensure delivery of effective HR advice and support across FareShare.

HR Operations

Oversee the full employee lifecycle – recruitment, onboarding, performance, development, employee relations, and exits.
Ensure legal compliance with UK employment law and best practice HR standards.
Oversee payroll, benefits and reward systems in partnership with Finance.

HR Systems & Data

Introduce a new HRIS to drive efficiency and improve reporting
Oversee the appropriate use and development of HR systems and data to inform decision-making and meet all GDPR and legal requirements.
Monitor KPIs, engagement metrics, and compliance reporting.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Lead EDI strategy and initiatives across the organisation.
Monitor and report on progress to ensure a fair and inclusive workplace for all.

Organisational Development & Change

Support on values and culture building initiatives
Support restructures, change programmes, and HR projects when required.
Lead on consultation processes and risk management related to people issues.
Cultivate a high-performance culture through continuous feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities for all employees.

Person Specification

Essential

Senior HR experience, including leading and strengthening a People/HR team.
Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
Proven experience in strategic HR leadership and change management.
Experience working with or within values-led or mission-driven organisations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels
Level 7 CIPD qualification or equivalent.

Desirable

Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
Knowledge of the food industry or logistics.
Understanding of volunteer engagement and safeguarding practices.
Experience leading EDI programmes or staff engagement strategies.

Competencies and behaviours

An understanding of and commitment to FareShare’s mission.
A commitment to Equal Opportunities.
Flexibility and collaborative style of working across FareShare and with all our stakeholders.
A passion for people, culture, and organisational development.
A hands-on approach to problem-solving.
Empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

Application process

For any further questions on this please email [email protected]