Are you looking for a People leadership role where you can be part of transforming an organisation through its people and culture strategy? Do you have extensive experience of ensuring the provision of high-quality, responsive people services to a complex organisation? Are you passionate about embedding principles of equity and inclusion in everything you do? We are looking for an experienced People professional to provide first class leadership of all operational people activity, including recruitment, learning and development, administration and contracting, people projects, pay and reward, and people systems, data and reporting. This newly created role will be part of the People leadership team, reporting to the Director of People. It will contribute to the creation, development and implementation of the RSC’s People and Culture strategy, which underpins delivery of our strategic ambitions. Key areas of responsibility include the following (please see the full job description and person specification for the comprehensive list): Oversee all day-to-day people operations at the RSC, across the full employee life cycle. Lead the People Operations team to ensure the provision of high-quality, responsive and inclusive people services to the organisation. Proactively identify areas where practice and process can be mapped, improved and made as simple, efficient, and inclusive as possible, including through use of best practice and technological developments. Support the design and implementation of the People and Culture strategy and action plan, collaborating with the People leadership team to ensure delivery of all objectives. Ensure that the RSC maximises the effectiveness of its people information systems and infrastructure. Oversee the development and ongoing implementation of a pay and reward strategy. Work with the People Leadership Team to nurture a culture of psychological safety, professional development and high performance within the People team. Lead a culture of reflective practice and continual improvement. To be suitable for this role, it is essential that you have the following experience: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent professional experience. Broad, generalist HR or People Operations experience in a complex organisation. Confident, up-to-date knowledge of UK Employment Law and best practice in HR. Supporting a culture of continuous improvement and building high levels of performance. Managing projects across the full project life cycle. Working with a variety of HR systems and technology. Leading and managing a team. Working with a variety of contractual working arrangements, including both employees and freelancers. Development and implementation of people data, KPIs, metrics and impact measurement. Appreciation of the intricacies of the charity and arts and cultural sectors. Embed principles of equity and inclusion within professional practice. This post is offered as a permanent contract and is subject to a 20-week probationary period. Based in the RSC offices in Stratford-upon-Avon, with travel to London and other UK sites and touring venues as necessary. The People team works to a hybrid model. We trust that colleagues know where, and how, their role can best be delivered and support a mix of remote and on-site based working, as best fits the needs of the team, their partner departments, and the RSC. As this is a leadership role, it is essential that the postholder works closely with the People team and stakeholders. They should therefore be visible and present across the organisation as needed, typically working a minimum of three days on site each week. The normal hours of work are 35 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday, with the understanding that additional hours (including occasional evenings or other out of hours work to reflect working in the arts and culture sector) may be required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. Access and Inclusion We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. We offer support and resources to aid access to the application and interview process, as well as the role itself, should you be successful. To discuss in further detail, please contact jobsrsc.org.uk - we would be delighted to talk with you. Application Process All applications should be made online using the RSC website. There will be a two-stage interview process. First interviews will take place online during weeks commencing 18 and 25 November. Second stage interviews will take place in Stratford, in person, during weeks commencing 25 November and 2 December. About the RSC The RSC strives for excellence, and values integrity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration and accountability. We offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do. The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.