YPO, HEAD OF HR & PEOPLE SERVICES

WELCOME FROM JULIE HAWLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in learning more about YPO and this very exciting role.

As the Executive Director of Finance, I am thrilled to welcome you to an exciting chapter in our journey. As YPO marks its 50th anniversary this year, we’re not just celebrating our past; we’re gearing up for a future filled with possibilities. And that’s where you come in!

YPO has been a cornerstone of excellence for half a century, and this momentous occasion is the perfect time to join our thriving community. As part of a 5 year corporate plan to invest for success, we have a new HR Strategy ready to be rolled out, so I am looking for an exceptional HR leader who has the ability to inspire others to bring about change at the same time as working strategically with leaders across YPO and other partner organisations.

Ideally, but not exclusively, you will have a thorough understanding of public sector terms and conditions of employment - with a passion to join a commercial organisation whose purpose is to add real social value, enabling considerable savings to be made whilst at the same time making a genuine difference to the people and communities served by the public sector. I am looking for an outstanding leader who not only shares our vision and values, but who can also bring considerable commercial acumen and strategic flair to the table, ensuring we can continue to develop and grow our business, deliver long term and effective transformation and embed creative and robust HR solutions across the organisation.

I believe this role will appeal to a strategic and dynamic HR leader who is able to bring about transformational change with energy and enthusiasm. You will lead the development and implementation of the HR Strategy as we look to transform the functions of HR, Talent Management and Business Services and create a more modern, agile service which is more than ready for the challenges ahead. At the same time you will have the ability to bring your team with you on this exciting journey, working collaboratively with numerous stakeholders and leading and influencing at Board level with complete credibility. I am seeking an individual with unwavering resilience and dedication, excited by what the future holds for YPO and who completely appreciates the way in which a modern and effective HR service is fundamental to our future success.

Whilst publicly owned we operate commercially, needing to be agile and fast paced enough to compete fully in a competitive market. Our size means that we are large enough to offer exposure to some complex HR challenges and our unique operating model ensures that we are not always tied up by bureaucracy and red tape. Behind every successful leader is a diligent team, and you'll be welcomed by a friendly and hardworking group dedicated to managing our resources and finances effectively.

So if you're ready to be part of our journey, contributing to YPO's legacy while advancing your own career, we look forward to your application. In the meantime, following an initial conversation with our recruitment partners at The Resourcing Solution I would be delighted to discuss this opportunity with those who might wish to learn a little more.

JULIE HAWLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Head of HR & People Services

Salary: £72,790 plus £3,000 car allowance

Location: Wakefield/Hybrid

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 14 July 2024

The role is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the HR Strategy -transforming the individual functions of HR, Talent Management, Business Services from transactional, reactive support services to ones that are dynamic and enabling. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team reporting directly into the Executive Director of Finance, this role will provide professional and technical advice to the Board and Elected Members on legal and employment issues as well as best practice standards relating to HR and OD.

In brief the role will have the following responsibilities:

Responsible for the development and implementation of the people strategy, delivering transformational change in areas such as organisational development and culture change.
Responsible for managing a team of Talent Management specialists to design and deliver learning interventions across the business, allocating resource, managing performance and ensuring learning and talent management interventions are delivered to a high standard.
Identifying areas for continuous improvement, making sure all services are at the forefront of innovation and excellence.
To write reports, including making recommendations to YPO Board and presenting where required.
To manage the trade union relationships locally for all employee issues.
Leadership of the wider HR and People Services Teams, developing a reputation within the organisation of high performing teams who can support the delivery of quality services to meet the organisations targets for service delivery, efficiency and overall growth.
To develop and deliver strategic objectives which will support the Board’s overall strategy direction for YPO.
To provide responsive, consistent and professional, advice guidance and support with regard to all employee related matters.
To develop appropriate policies and procedures in line with employment legislation that safeguards the organisation.
To ensure a professional support service is provided to visitors, elected members and employees through the provision of a customer focused business support function.
To lead an organisational development programme that will embed the YPO values and change the culture of YPO towards a more customer focused and performance driven organisation.
Attendance at JCC and Health and Safety Committee Meetings as required.
Accountable for the budgets for HR, Talent Management and Business Services ensuring that financial resources are deployed and managed effectively and efficiently.
To ensure YPO complies with all legal obligations regarding employment, advising up to and including Elected Members.
To manage and appraise through the setting and monitoring of performance targets and standards, to ensure they effectively achieve strategic aims and service plans, encouraging personal development, providing support and taking action as necessary.
To maintain effective relationships with key partners, service providers, stakeholders and YPO customers.
To lead and undertake work on special projects, policy priorities, plans and programmes as required by the Managing Director.
To lead in the procurement of services, e.g. OHU Services in liaison with Contracts and Procurement teams.
To work co-operatively with colleagues to ensure that the function operates consistently and effectively in the implementation and application of all departmental procedures and policies.
To keep up to date with information, training and development opportunities appropriate to maintaining and developing professional service standards.
Ensuring that services are delivered in line with relevant legislation, YPO objectives and policies including those relating to Equality and Diversity, Customer Care and Health and Safety.

For more information please see the Job Description here

Established in 1974, YPO now has 50 years' experience in giving back to the public sector. Five decades ago, 13 local authorities came together to combine their buying demands and achieve efficiency, and that's when our organisation as it's known today began.

We supply products and services to a wide range of customers including schools, local authorities, charities, emergency services, the public sector, and other businesses such as nurseries and care homes.

We're 100% publicly owned by our 13 member authorities, which means the profits we make are returned to our public sector customers, delivering even better value for money.

We work closely with suppliers and collaborate with other public sector buying organisations to achieve efficiencies and value for money. Through collaboration, YPO provides products and services to meet specific needs and objectives, through a wide range of procurement categories and frameworks.

We believe that every penny counts – YPO offers an opportunity to make an impact and a real difference by delivering social value and outcomes in the communities it serves.

About YPO

YPO - Our history and heritage - YouTube

Values and Behaviours

YPO's New Brand Values - YouTube

YPO 50th Anniversary Video

YPO - 50th Anniversary - YouTube

About Wakefield

Contact us

For an informal confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Leanne Auton on Leanne.Auton@northyorks.gov.uk / 07815 028548

Apply

Applications should be emailed to Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk

Please submit one Word document that includes a comprehensive CV and a supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be a maximum of two A4 pages, font 12, and should include the following information:

Brief Introduction - with the JD in mind
Explain how you meet the essential criteria of the person specification
Current salary
Notice period
Contact details for at least two referees, one of whom must be your current / most recent employer/engager, and covering at least the last 5 years of your career. If you specifically do not wish referees to be approached without your permission, please indicate this.

YPO is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief.

We will not accept applications from agencies.

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