Head of Employee Experience

Posting date:	28 May 2025
Salary:	£62,840.00 to £70,718.00 per year
Additional salary information:	62840 - 70718
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	18 June 2025
Location:	Reading, RG1 4HJ
Company:	Vacancy Filler
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	MAY20250140

Summary

About the role: Head of Employee ExperienceThis is a pivotal role within Activate Learning’s Group Human Resources (HR) team, leading on the design and delivery of an exceptional employee experience that supports our strategic ambitions.You will be responsible for three critical areas of our People function: HR Business Partnering, Diversity & Inclusion, and Employee Wellbeing. As part of the HR Leadership Team, you’ll work collaboratively with colleagues across the People function to drive impactful cultural, engagement and performance outcomes across the employee lifecycle.As the Head of Employee Experience, you’ll lead a talented team including our HR Business Partners, D&I Manager, and Wellbeing Lead, supporting managers and senior leaders across our multi-site organisation. You’ll offer strategic and expert advice on employee relations, organisational change, manager development, and employee engagement-ensuring every colleague experiences a workplace that is inclusive, healthy, and values-led.This is a permanent, full-time role working 37 hours per week.We operate a hybrid working model with a minimum of three days on-site. Your base can be one of our campuses in Oxford, Reading, Bracknell or Guildford, with travel required across our Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Surrey sites.What do you need to be a successful Head of Employee Experience?The Head of Employee Experience will be an experienced senior HR leader with extensive expertise in employee relations, cultural transformation, and team leadership, ideally within complex or public sector environments. You will demonstrate deep proficiency in HR strategy and policy, guiding teams through change with clarity, empathy, and purpose.You will adeptly balance strategic influence and operational delivery, partnering closely with senior leadership and trade unions to cultivate an inclusive, engaging, and high-performing workplace. Your leadership will be collaborative and values-driven, marked by strong communication, coaching ability, and analytical acumenAs the Head of Employee Experience, key requirements areDegree or equivalent experience requiredCIPD Level 7 or equivalent senior HR qualification highly desirable.Extensive experience in a senior HR leadership role, with a strong focus on employee relations.Demonstrated success in leading HR Business Partnering teams across multi-site organisations.Strong experience working with Trade Unions is highly desirable.In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.Who we areActivate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeingCompany benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staffGenerous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leaveFlexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our work-with-us/wellbeing-and-benefits page Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions. Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.