Head of HR

Job Scope

The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The Society's fundamental purpose is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant and life-changing discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society scientists continue to make outstanding contributions to science across the wide breadth of research areas.

The Head of HR is a newly created role to join an established HR function of 8 staff within the Society and will report into the HR Director.

As the organisation has grown significantly, the Head of HR will now help to drive forward a high performing culture and support the Society's plans to remain an inclusive and exciting workplace.

The Head of HR will be responsible for the effective delivery of operational activities, oversee the provision of business partnering and expert advisory services and a full generalist HR brief.

Supporting the HR Director, the post holder will be responsible for the provision of strategic, innovative and flexible HR solutions. They will oversee a variety of HR projects and promote and implement EDI initiatives to ensure that the Society is and continues to strive to be, an inclusive workplace, in all domains.

They will model and develop strong leadership and management practices within the HR function and across the Society and help manage the delivery of HR operations. They will ensure relevant and appropriate expert advice on complex legal matters, understanding current employment trends and support the Society in being ready for future legislative changes.

The post holder will have oversight of the recruitment cycle and may have ownership for senior roles on an ad hoc with support from the HR Director. They will ensure the recruitment cycle and search processes offer value for money as well as ensuring the Society retains high quality staff.

Within the operational HR team, the postholder will support the payroll and benefits function, and review suppliers and relationships where necessary.

They will work closely with the HR Payroll and Data Manager and the HRD on budget management and planning activities. The post holder will also lead the team to deliver a cycle of work to support corporate activities such as the Performance Lifecycle, Engagement and Wellbeing initiatives.

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Reports to: HR Director

Line manages: 2x Senior HR Business Partners

Pay band:
Band G

Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 per annum

Contract type:
Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG
plus the option for some hybrid remote working

Closing date for applications:
Friday, 20 March 2026, 23:59 hours

Interviews will be held:
First round: 26 March 2026 and Second round: 31 March 2026