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Head of People Services
National Oceanography Centre
People & HR
Southampton, UK
GBP 67,063-80,482 / year
Posted on Dec 18, 2025
Head of People Services
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£67,063 - £80,482
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About the role
The Head of People Services plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering NOC’s people strategy and operational plans as a key member of the People and Culture Senior Management Team. Reporting into the Director of People and Culture, the role leads the design and continuous improvement of the People Services function to ensure it supports NOC’s strategic objectives, providing high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused HR and recruitment services across the organisation.
The role oversees the HR Business Partners and the day-to-day people services and operations including the staff hub, recruitment, budget management, risk oversight, and HR data reporting and analytics. A focus of the role will be the core employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, induction, probation, employment changes, performance management and exit with a focus on driving a positive employee experience across all.
The Head of People Services has lead responsibility for ensuring NOC’s core HR policy framework and processes are effective and in full compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, while aligning with NOC’s values.
About you
We are looking for an experienced people centred leader with a proven track record of successfully leading and transforming HR operations and services and implementing high impact people strategies and plans.
You will take pride in operational excellence and providing a high-quality service to candidates, employees, managers and other key stakeholders.
You will enjoy collaborating with peers and other colleagues to deliver strategically aligned people services and understand the importance of effective communications.
You will have chartered membership of the CIPD (or equivalent) or bring demonstrable experience at a senior HR leadership level.
If you’re passionate about creating exceptional employee experiences and shaping the future of our people services, we’d love to hear from you.
Why NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
- financial support for relocation
- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
We have a hybrid working approach where for this position staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.
Date advert posted: 18 December 2025.
Closing date: 19 January 2026.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.