Great British Energy is seeking a People Innovation, Policy & Systems Lead to help shape a modern, forward-thinking people function fit for the future.

This role goes beyond developing policies and maintaining systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying emerging people practices, benchmarking externally, challenging conventional approaches and introducing innovative solutions that support GBE's ambition to become a leading public sector employer.

Working within the governance requirements of a publicly owned organisation, the postholder will bring fresh thinking, curiosity and creativity to the design of GBE's people policies, processes and systems. They will explore what leading organisations are doing, challenge traditional HR approaches and identify opportunities to simplify, modernise and improve the experience of both employees and managers.

This is an exciting opportunity to build from a relatively blank sheet of paper and help create a people framework that supports a high-performing, inclusive and purpose-led organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative, future-focused people policies and frameworks that support GBE's organisational ambitions.
• Continually benchmark GBE against leading organisations in the UK and internationally, identifying emerging trends, innovative practices and opportunities for improvement.
• Research and evaluate developments in areas such as employee experience, workforce flexibility, performance, technology, skills and the future of work, translating external insight into practical solutions for GBE.
• Challenge traditional approaches and introduce fresh thinking that supports organisational effectiveness, employee engagement and high performance.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of people policies, processes and guidance across the employee lifecycle.
• Develop and implement GBE's future performance management framework, ensuring it reflects modern approaches to performance, feedback and development.
• Act as the HR lead for people systems development and enhancement, working closely with Digital colleagues and suppliers.
• Explore opportunities to use technology, automation and artificial intelligence to improve people services, employee experience and decision making.
• Design people processes that are simple, user-focused and scalable, balancing innovation with appropriate governance and public sector accountability.
• Develop reporting frameworks and management information that provide meaningful workforce insights and support evidence-based decision making.
• Build strong relationships and external networks to ensure GBE remains informed of leading-edge practice and emerging opportunities.
• Produce recommendations, business cases and implementation plans that help shape the future direction of GBE's people agenda.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across people policies, processes and systems, driving simplification, efficiency and enhanced employee experience.
• Apply structured change management methodologies to support the successful implementation and adoption of new people initiatives, technologies and ways of working.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve process effectiveness and embed a culture of continuous improvement across the People function

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills

• Significant experience developing HR policies, frameworks, processes or systems within a complex organisation.
• Demonstrable experience introducing new ideas, approaches or ways of working that have improved organisational performance or employee experience.
• Strong understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Genuine interest in future workplace trends, people innovation and organisational effectiveness, including the use of AI in HR.
• Experience researching, benchmarking and translating external best practice into practical organisational solutions.
• Experience implementing or improving HR systems and technology solutions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to balance ambition and innovation with governance, risk management and compliance requirements.
• Experience leading organisational, process or technology change programmes, including stakeholder engagement, communications and adoption planning.
• Demonstrable experience applying continuous improvement methodologies to redesign processes and improve service delivery

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working across public and private sector environments.
• Experience in high growth organisations
• Experience in employee experience, organisational design, future of work or workforce transformation initiatives.
• Established external networks within HR, organisational development or people innovation communities.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and their application within HR, people services or operational environments.
• Relevant change management or continuous improvement qualification or equivalent practical experience
• CIPD qualification or equivalent professional experience.

Personal Qualities

• Bold - Takes ownership, shows confidence in decision-making, and is willing to challenge constructively, constantly seeking to improve ways of working.
• Impactful - Focuses on delivering meaningful outcomes and making a positive, lasting impact.  Resilient and resourceful in a fast-paced environment. 
• Inclusive - Works collaboratively, valuing different perspectives and building inclusive relationships
• Entrepreneurial – creative and innovative with a curiosity to explore new ideals and avenues to achieve solutions and deliver tangible outcomes.

Details:

• Location - Aberdeen City Centre
• Working Pattern - Hybrid
• Salary - c£70,000pa + Benefits 

Level of Security Check: BPSS