Assistant Director of People

Assistant Director of People

Watford
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000

Permanent 37 hours per week

The Vacancy

We are looking for a leader who is excited by change and motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of workforce experience across our organisation. 

Chime Housing is a Community Gateway housing association with over 13,500 homes across Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Our core focus is on providing good-quality places to live for lower-income households, and most of our homes are for social and affordable rent. We were formed in June 2026 through the merger of Thrive homes and Watford Community Housing, two well-respected housing associations with shared values, ideas and geography. As a Community Gateway, we’re committed to putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. As well as working closely with residents to make sure, we’re delivering excellent services; we encourage them to become members so they can vote and make decisions which help to shape what we do.

Introduction to the role

This newly formed role will take responsibility for all People and HR matters across the organisation. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will help us to achieve our strategic aims and objectives by actively contributing to corporate decision-making, policy formulation and business development. You’ll ensure that robust controls are effectively operated across performance management and employee relations while embedding a culture of wellbeing, support and development.

Role purpose

Reporting to the Chief People & Governance Officer, you will lead a Human Resources team of 10 people, bringing together two teams from legacy organisations, to provide a harmonised and comprehensive service for the entire employee lifecycle.

To support engagement and retention, you will form a strong relationship with our Colleague Forum to deliver a competitive colleague reward offer that is externally benchmarked and regularly communicated to new and existing employees.

You will support the Group in achieving its corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives, and work with all areas of the business to champion inclusivity and equality.

To ensure the standard of the HR service is measured, you will gather and monitor relevant feedback and performance indicators, reporting to key parties and taking remedial action as necessary.

What’s the role?

Key Accountabilities:

• Providing strong strategic and operational leadership and direction to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the full range of services within HR; including business partnering, talent management, organisational development and reward management
• Delivering workplace wellbeing, equity, and staff engagement initiatives
• Leading on structural transformation, workforce planning, and employment policy implementation
• Leading, monitoring and delivering complex projects on time within budget, whilst achieving stated outcomes
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation in HR practices, to influence positive change from all aspects of the employee journey
• Proactively lead and provide solutions to workforce challenges, in accordance with the organisation's strategic aims and objectives

What are we looking for?

Essential:

• CIPD Accreditation (Level 7)
• In-depth knowledge of employment legislation including TUPE
• Experience of influencing at a senior level
• Able to think and act independently
• Expertise in workforce equality, employee engagement, and organisational change
• A passion for creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can belong and succeed
• Excellent communication, reporting and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical capability, both in budget management and when using data to drive insight and improvement
• Energy and enthusiasm for change, including the opportunity created by merger
• Strong empathy and sensitivity to the needs and experience of both individuals and groups

What can we offer you?

• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata)
• Employer pension contribution of up to 11%
• Development opportunities
• Comprehensive employee rewards scheme

How we work

We embrace agile working  blending time in our communities, shared spaces, and remote working. With digital technology at the heart of our approach, we empower teams and individuals to work flexibly.

How to apply

If this sounds like your next role, click ‘apply now’, tell us why you’ve got what it takes, and attach a copy of your current CV.

Closing date: 16 August 2026

Virtual interview: 21 August 2026

In-person interview: 27 August 2026

(Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a large response.)