Head of HR & Operations

Position: Head of HR & Operations

Reports to: Director of Finance & Corporate Services

Salary: £51,014

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Location: Flexible (London Office / Home-based)

Closing Date: 30th January 2026

Purpose of the role
The Head of HR & Operations leads the organisation’s people and operations functions to ensure they deliver sustainable organisational performance, legal compliance, and a positive employee experience.

The role exists to champion effective people practice, embed inclusive and ethical behaviours, and ensure that HR, office, and IT services enable colleagues to perform at their best. You will act as a trusted adviser and role model for professional people practice, supporting leaders to make evidence-based decisions that align people strategy with organisational objectives.

Direct Reports

People Manager

Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities
1. Lead and implement a strategy and plan for HR services and support, including policy & employment law, talent acquisition, retention, learning & development, compensation & benefits and employee relations.
2. Lead and implement a strategy and plan for increasing staff engagement and satisfaction.
3. Lead on safeguarding, this role will be the safeguard lead for the organisation
4. Lead and implement a strategy and plan for office and remote/hybrid working.
5. Responsible for the Federal Party Office and lead on the H&S for all our people regardless of their base location.
6. Provide expert advice on HR matters to colleagues and on complex cases across the wider party as required.
7. Make sure we pay our people accurately and on time.
8. Report to Committees and our Governance on relevant issues.
9. Maintain the confidence of key stakeholders to ensure the party continues to work more collaboratively than ever before, focused on growth and electoral success.
10. Take on any other responsibilities that are reasonably required in the role.

Person specification

Essential
1. Strong ability to lead the HR function.
2. Strong ability to communicate simply and clearly, both verbally and in writing, and adapt messages to audiences.
3. Strong ability to plan projects and engagement activity over the medium to long term - both internally and externally.
4. Excellent ability to adapt your approach to the working styles of different people, at all levels of seniority.
5. Strong judgement and discretion in highly sensitive environments.
6. Strong ability to run payroll in house or use an outsourced payroll provider

Desirable
7. You will be accredited to MCIPD level or qualified by experience.
8. Proven ability to work with and understand the needs of volunteers.
9. Sympathy with the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.

How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@libdems.org.uk

Please note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

The Liberal Democrats are equal opportunity employers and particularly welcome applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.