Talent and Engagement Director Job at York Full Time NEW

People & Development ManagerSalary: £50,000 to £55,000 plus pension & benefitsLocation: York (Hybrid working available) – must live within a commutable distanceFull timeClosing date 19th June 2026Why Join Us?30 days holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday and Christmas closureExcellent pension scheme with 14.5% employer contributionFlexible and hybrid workingUp to 3 paid volunteering days per yearEmployee Assistance ProgrammeHealth cash plans, cycle-to-work scheme and a range of additional staff benefitsJoin STEM Learning and help shape a high-performing culture.At STEM Learning, we believe great people create great impact. As the UK’s largest provider of STEM education and careers support, we work with schools, colleges, employers, government and partners to inspire young people, support educators and build the skilled workforce of the future.We are looking for an experienced and proactive People & Development Manager to lead our people strategy, drive organisational development and champion a culture where colleagues can thrive.Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the CEO and Senior Management Team, this is a key leadership role with the opportunity to influence culture, raise standards, develop leadership capability and help shape the future direction of the organisation.This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. You’ll lead our HR function, manage a small HR team and act as a trusted advisor across the business, ensuring our people practices reflect best practice while supporting organisational growth and change.The RoleStrategy & People LeadershipDevelop and deliver a People & Culture strategy aligned to STEM Learning’s vision and values.Partner with the Senior Management Team on workforce planning, talent development and organisational effectiveness.Drive improvements to systems, processes, policies and people practices.Strengthen our employee value proposition, helping to attract, retain and develop talented colleagues.Performance, Learning & DevelopmentLead the development of a learning and development framework that supports continuous growth.Improve performance management processes, including objectives, feedback and appraisal cycles.Design and deliver leadership and management development initiatives.Embed a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement.Culture, Engagement & WellbeingPromote a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.Lead employee engagement, wellbeing and feedback initiatives.Support managers through coaching, guidance and best-practice people management.Champion inclusion, collaboration and effective communication across the organisation.Governance, Compliance & OperationsLead the HR function and manage a small team of experienced HR Assistants.Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and HR best practice.Oversee employee relations matters, policies, procedures and HR systems.Use people data and insight to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.Support payroll, pensions and benefits administration in partnership with the finance team.Recruitment & OnboardingLead and continuously improve recruitment and onboarding processes.Support succession planning and future workforce capability.Ensure a positive and inclusive candidate experience.Our ideal candidateWe’re looking for someone with the energy, credibility and leadership skills to influence change and drive improvements across the organisation.Skills required:Significant experience in HR, People or Organisational Development leadership roles.CIPD Level 5 qualification (or above), or equivalent experience.Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.Experience developing people strategies, leadership capability and organisational culture.The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.A passion for learning, development and continuous improvement.The confidence to challenge the status quo and implement positive change.About usAt STEM Learning, we work to improve lives through STEM education. We support teachers, inspire young people and connect schools with employers to help build the UK’s future workforce.Guided by our values of Sustainability, Innovation and Proactivity, we focus our efforts where they can make the greatest difference.Next StepsClosing date: 19th June 2026First stage interviews (online): Week commencing 15 and 22nd June 2026 Second stage interviews (York): Weeks commencing 22 & 29 June 2026Subject to changeTo apply. Please submit an up-to-date CV including details of two refereesA cover letter (maximum one side of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you would be a great fitSTEM Learning is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be their best.