Head of People

Job Title: Head of People
Location: Ashton Vale, Bristol or Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements  
Compensation:    Excellent Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent 
Role ID: SF68772

Lead with purpose. Shape the future. Make a difference.

At Babcock, we're working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Head of People.

The role
As our new Head of People, you'll be a key member of the Mission Systems HR leadership team, driving strategic and operational excellence across one of our dynamic business units. This is a high-impact role where you'll help shape the people strategy and deliver a sector-wide people plan that supports future growth, innovation, and performance.

You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, including a Business Unit Managing Director and Operations Director, influencing decisions that affect a £400M+ sector delivering cutting-edge technology—from submarine launch systems to satellite communications.

Day-to-day you'll be:

•    Leading the delivery of HR services across the full employee lifecycle with consistency and quality.

•    Partnering with senior leaders to shape and execute people strategies aligned with business goals.

•    Driving union engagement and leading annual pay negotiations.

•    Coaching and developing HR professionals to foster a high-performance culture.

•    Representing HR in cross-functional forums and contributing to wider organisational success.

The role is based onsite at Ashton House, and the set working times are Monday to Friday, totalling 37 hours per week. The role may involve occasional travel to Devonport or alternatively be based at Devonport with regular travel to Bristol.

Essential experience of the Head of People:

•    Proven HR leadership in large, complex organisations.

•    Strong track record of strategic HR delivery and stakeholder influence.

•    Experience leading union negotiations and pay discussions.

•    Commercial acumen and ability to deliver pragmatic solutions.

•    Ability to lead through complexity with integrity and collaboration.

Qualifications for the Head of People:
We value difference and do not have a fixed idea when it comes to background, provided you can show the required level of leadership experience and impact. 

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK ).

What we offer 

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
• 'Be Kind Day' enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header 'Reasonable adjustments requirement'. We're committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 07/11/2025

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