HEAD OF PEOPLE

Organisation: Leisure United
Salary: £60-£65k per annum (dependent on experience)
Location: Hybrid working – regular travel to LU hubs across the network.
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 13 February 2026
Interview date: 2 March 2026
Job Description: Leisure United is a charity that exists to develop a national network of high-quality multi-sport facilities that transform grassroots football and provide a range of physical activity, health and well-being opportunities for local communities.

This is a new role so the Head of People will manage HR to proactively create and then lead the delivery of Leisure United’s People Strategy, ensuring our people, culture and leadership capability enable us to deliver our d business strategy, objectives and values.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, this role provides strategic leadership across all areas of people and organisational development, including HR operations, learning and development, culture, wellbeing and inclusion. The postholder will line manage the HR Business Partner, who in turn line manages the HR Officer and Learning & Development Coordinator, ensuring a high-performing, collaborative and solutions-focused People team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

First create and then lead the development, implementation and evaluation of Leisure United’s People Strategy to ensure alignment with business strategies, objectives and values.
Act as the Chief Executive’s strategic and operational advisor on all people matters, providing insight and
leadership on organisational design, culture and performance.
Define and collate useful data and workforce analytics to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making.
Contribute to the wider organisational strategy and business planning process as a key member of the Senior Management Team.

BOARD & SMT ENGAGEMENT

Prepare and present strategic people reports to the Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.
Advise the CEO and Trustees on workforce risks, opportunities and long-term planning.
Represent Leisure United externally on HR and people matters, building partnerships that add value to the organisation.

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT

Lead, develop and inspire the People team, ensuring delivery of a proactive, customer-focused and high-performing service.
Provide coaching, direction and development opportunities for the HRBP and the wider people team.
Foster collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement within the team.

CULTURE, ENGAGEMENT & INCLUSION

Implement and promote a positive, inclusive and values-led culture where colleagues feel engaged, supported and empowered.
Lead equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring they are embedded across all areas of the
organisation.
Champion wellbeing and employee experience as key enablers of organisational success.
Oversee engagement surveys, feedback mechanisms and action planning to continuously improve the colleague experience.

WORKFORCE PLANNING & ORGANISATIONAL DESIGN

Lead workforce planning and succession strategies to ensure the right capability and capacity across the network.
Advise on organisation design and change management to support business growth and operational effectiveness.
Partner with the CEO and SMT to ensure structures and roles remain fit for purpose

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS & POLICY GOVERNANCE

Oversee the management of employee relations cases and ensure a fair, consistent and legally compliant approach.
Lead on policy development, ensuring all People policies are modern, inclusive and aligned with legislation and organisational values.
Provide oversight on complex ER cases and act as escalation point for the HRBP.

REWARD, RECOGNITION & BENEFITS

Lead the development and continuous improvement of reward, recognition and benefits frameworks.
Ensure pay and benefits are equitable, transparent and aligned to organisational values.
Work with Finance and HRBP to ensure compliance and cost efficiency in reward and payroll processes.

LEARNING, LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

Provide strategic direction for the organisation’s learning and leadership development offer.
Oversee Learning & Development to ensure consistent delivery and measurable outcomes.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

Significant (5 years or more) experience in leading a HR or People function within a multi-site, customer facing organisation.
Proven track record in developing and delivering people strategies and plans that drive organisational
change & performance, workforce planning and culture transformation.
Prior and successful experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary teams.
Experience advising at Board level and/or active member of the senior executive team.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

In-depth knowledge of HR strategy, organisational design and workforce development with a good understanding of UK employment law.
Strong commercial awareness and the ability to align people priorities with business outcomes.
Excellent influencing, leadership and communication skills, with confidence to engage at all levels.
Highly analytical with the ability to interpret complex data and generate insight.
Skilled in strategic planning, problem solving and decision-making.
Strong understanding of EDI, wellbeing and safeguarding practices.

NB It is not essential that the successful applicant has CIPD Level 7 qualification or degree-level qualification in HR or related field, although it would be desirable.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Strategic, visionary and values-driven leader.
Collaborative, approachable and inspiring with a focus on enabling others.
Confident, resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced and growing environment.
Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Diplomatic and trusted, with high levels of integrity and professional credibility.
Passionate about supporting people and communities to thrive.

Desirable Sector Experience

Experience leading People and Culture in a charity, leisure trust, or multi-site organisation with 300+ employees.
Understanding of the sport, leisure, and health & well-being landscape and its community impact.
Experience of working with Trustees, funders and local authorities.
Knowledge of safeguarding and safer recruitment practices in sport and leisure.
Track record of developing leadership capability and culture across operational teams.
Passion for sport, activity and improving lives through community participation.

Additional Information

Regular travel to Leisure United hubs across England will be required.
A full UK driving licence is essential.

Flexible or hybrid working arrangements available in line with business needs.
How to apply: To apply, please submit your application by midday on Friday 13 February to recruitment@leisureunited.com. The recruitment pack for this role is available on request via the same email address. Your application should include: Your CV A covering letter outlining your motivation for the role and demonstrating how your experience aligns with the role criteria. All applications will be carefully reviewed against the role requirements and person specification. Candidates who most clearly meet our criteria will be invited to a stage 1 online interview on Monday 2nd March. A small number of candidates will then be invited to a final face-to-face interview stage, with the date to be confirmed. Thank you for considering Leisure United as the next exciting chapter in your career!