Head of People & Support Services

Zero Waste Scotland is Scotland’s circular economy public body. Since 2014, our work has helped more people understand that the answer to the climate emergency is to consume less. Through an expansive range of projects and programmes, our innovative work has shown that embedding circular practices is as possible as it is essential. Through sharing this knowledge, nurturing relationships, and fostering bold collaboration, we’re in a truly unique position to influence this vital change.

Here at Zero Waste Scotland, we value our people and are committed to nurturing and supporting them to learn, grow and develop so we can focus our efforts and be a collective force of unique colleagues, creating positive change. As an accredited Investors in Diversity organisation, we are committed to embedding FREDIE principles (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) across all that we do at Zero Waste Scotland.

We are now seeking a Head of People & Support Services to provide strategic leadership across our People, Health & Safety and Executive PA teams, ensuring we remain an exceptional organisation to work with — and for.

As Head of People & Support Services, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role, responsible for setting strategic direction, driving organisational culture, and ensuring excellence across all aspects of the employee lifecycle.

This is a highly influential role — part of both the Senior Leadership Team and the People & Support Services Directorate — where you will:

Lead and shape our people strategy

• Own and deliver priorities across the full employee lifecycle, ensuring alignment with our Corporate and Executive Business Plans.
• Champion our organisational values — being authentic, collaborative, focused and pioneering.

Drive organisational development and culture

• Develop and implement programmes that support leadership capability, talent pipelines, succession planning and organisational change.
• Embed a culture rooted in inclusion, wellbeing and high performance.

Oversee health, safety and support services

• Provide leadership over our Health & Safety framework, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
• Lead office management, facilities, administrative resources and the Executive PA teams to deliver a proactive, high‑quality service.

Act as a trusted advisor

• Provide professional HR and OD insight to the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams.
• Support and empower managers to handle complex employee relations matters fairly and consistently.

Lead by example

• Manage, motivate and develop a high‑performing team.
• Hold accountability for budgets, KPIs, and reporting frameworks that demonstrate the value and impact of People & Support Services.

Candidate requirements

You’ll bring significant senior-level HR and OD experience, with the credibility and confidence to influence across an organisation. We’re looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with a collaborative, people‑centred approach.

Essential:

• Strong, up‑to‑date knowledge of employment law
• Proven leadership experience in both public and private sectors
• Deep expertise in organisational development, employee relations and change management
• Strong influencing, problem‑solving and communication skills
• Experience leading high-performing teams in dynamic environments
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and foster a positive, inclusive culture

Desirable:

• Chartered CIPD membership plus management qualification or equivalent experience
• Coaching qualification
• Psychometric testing accreditation
• Knowledge of Hay job evaluation
• Experience in strategic workforce planning