Careers

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

The Head of HR will lead the HR function, overseeing the development and execution of key HR strategies, policies, and programs in support of the business’ goals, objectives, and culture. To provide strategic leadership, collaborate with senior management and ensure effective HR practices across all areas of human resources in compliance with UK employment laws and regulations.

Work location: hybrid/remote in Welwyn Garden City AL8 6AE
Job type: Fixed-term contract
Contract length: 24 months

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of the post include, but are not limited to:

• To oversee the full range of HR functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, training and development, compensation and benefits, and HR compliance.
• To exercise line management responsibility for motivating and developing the HR Manager.
• Work closely with senior leadership, line managers, and other key stakeholders to understand strategic goals and align HR practices to support these.
• Partner with senior / people leaders to ensure HR and Learning & Development initiatives are aligned to the overall business strategy.
• Engage with employees to understand their feedback, ideas, and concerns, reviewing HR and L&D strategies accordingly.
• Oversee recruitment strategies that align with the organisation’s needs, focusing on attracting diverse and talented individuals. Partner with the HR Manager to develop, implement, and maintain retention strategies supporting the nurture and development of staff.
• Ensure the performance management framework supports a continuous feedback culture, focusing on employee development and growth rather than just assessment. Collaborate with the HR Manager to implement effective performance evaluation systems.
• Develop and embed clear HR policies to ensure consistency and compliance across the organisation.
• Provide clear, informed, and structured change management support as required. Oversee TUPE regulations where required and support HR Manager in the implementation of TUPE transfers and applicable processes.
• Foster a people-first culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. Promote well-being, recognition, and respect within the organisation.
• Lead initiatives that reinforce employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Act as a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that HR practices promote fairness, equal opportunity, and an inclusive environment.
• Drive and manage the organisation’s DEI strategy, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion principles are embedded in all HR practices and policies.
• Lead DEI initiatives and events that celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive culture.
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing development of a forward-thinking Learning and Development (L&D) strategy that meets both current and future organisational needs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and department heads to assess staff talent. Ensure employees have access to learning opportunities, enabling personal and professional growth.
• Ensure shared clarity around existing staff talent and L&D opportunities.
• Identify and address skills gaps through targeted training and development programs.
• Implement structured career development frameworks that provide clear pathways for employee growth and advancement.
• Implement talent management frameworks to identify and nurture high-potential employees, ensuring a robust succession plan.
• Partner with the HR Manager to implement programs focused on employee well-being, mental health, and work-life balance. Ensure these programs are integrated with L&D strategies to foster a healthy, resilient, and engaged workforce.
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws, public sector regulations, and HR best practices. Regularly report on the effectiveness of HR, employee engagement, and talent management strategies to senior leadership.
• Track key HR data/metrics related to employee performance, satisfaction, and wellbeing, such as absenteeism, staff feedback post onboarding and exit interviews.
• In line with the Company reward timetable, gather and analyse market knowledge on salaries for all roles. Provide comparative information to identified stakeholders on a periodic basis, to identify any gaps or discrepancies and to inform strategic workforce planning.
• Stay informed about UK-specific HR best practices, emerging HR trends, and legislative changes that may impact the workforce.
• Build relationships with external HR vendors, consultants, and professional networks to leverage expertise and resources relevant to the UK operations.
• Champion the Company’s values through strong leadership and inspirational behaviour.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Experience: Proven applicable experience in a Head of HR or similar role.
• Strategic Alignment: Ability to align HR and L&D strategies with overall business objectives, ensuring that employee development drives organisational success.
• Leadership & People Management: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop the HR function.
• People-First Mindset: A deep commitment to fostering a people-first culture, where employee well-being, development, and engagement are prioritised.
• Communication & Collaboration: Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of the organisation, from senior leadership to staff members.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Ability to assess complex issues and develop creative, practical solutions to improve L&D programs and organisational culture.
• Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) qualification is required.

ICT/ TECHNOLOGICAL APTITUDE
Experience of working with a range of IT products (e.g. MS Office applications, Intermediate/ advanced Outlook, Spreadsheets, database, etc)

Benefits

Package up to £50k – £60k per annum
Job Type: Fixed-term contract
Contract length: 24 months

• 25 days per annum (increasing by one day per year after a year, up to a maximum of 30 days) plus bank holidays with additional days for long service
• Two days of paid leave for volunteering either with our charity of the year, or something close to you personally
• Flexible working arrangements
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Employer pension contribution of 6%
• Death in Service Benefit of 3 x salary
• Eyecare contribution cost

Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@hertfordshirebc.co.uk.
Application deadline: 16/04/2025

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Broste Rivers Ltd fully supports the terms of The Equality Act 2010. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on any grounds. We want a diverse workforce which reflects our community and welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, and maternity and marital or civil partnership status.

If you have a disability and demonstrate that you fulfil the essential person specification criteria for the role on your application form, you will be invited for an interview. If you feel that you could carry out this post with some adjustments, please let us know at hr@hertfordshirebc.co.uk . If you require arrangements made for interview etc. (e.g., signing, access), please indicate this on your application.

Post Titles: Registered Building Inspector (RBI), Senior RBI or Principal RBI’s Class 2 or 3 Full / Part Time
Office Location: Welwyn Garden City with remote/hybrid working
Responsible to: Head of Building Control.
Salary: £36 – £65  per annum, depending on BSR Class and experience

We have a reputation for outstanding customer service because we are lucky enough to employ talented and committed people. Our business is growing and constantly changing plus it’s an exciting time as we progress our ambitious plans and priorities.

We aim to be a top-rated employer and offer an excellent benefits package. We also provide a professional but relaxed working environment, where our people are given exceptional development and advancement opportunities.

Flexibility is built into how we work, with hybrid or remote working a key feature for many of our roles. Aligned with this, we have developed a career pathway that clarifies how individuals can progress, with plenty of opportunities and scope as our business grows.

Purpose of Role: Our registered building inspectors manage a range of interesting projects from small domestic extensions to major commercial developments, liaising with clients, design teams, architects and builders. You will provide professional support to them acting as the compliance lead, whilst ensuring that value is added for our customers, at each stage of the build process.

Key responsibilities:

• Working with client and design teams to provide guidance and advice about the Building Regulations and the relevant requirements
• Assessing plans submitted for Building Regulation approval
• Carrying out on-site technical assessments
• Offering guidance to builders as well as undertaking forensic investigations
• Supporting our undergraduate surveyors as they embark on their careers

You will enjoy the support of a multi-disciplined professional team but be given the autonomy and responsibility to make your mark in a growing and successful company. You are backed by our office-based technical administration services team, which co-ordinates operations and administration.

Person Specification:

This section presents the knowledge, skills, experience, personal qualities, and qualifications that are considered essential for a person being deployed to this role.

As a chartered professional (required for Principal (Class 3) or working towards chartership (MRICS, MCABE, MCIOB) and registered building inspector, you should bring solid construction industry experience, knowledge of Building Regulations, and the ability to make pragmatic decisions.

You will have a customer-focused approach, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and recognise the commercial benefits of adding value for our clients whilst ensuring legislation is complied with.  You should be able to work unsupervised, in line with established policies and procedures, but with the experience to know when to seek expert help.

Benefits

Package up to £65k per annum for Principal RBI
Package up to £55k per annum for Senior RBI
Package up to £45k per annum for Area RBI

• 25 days per annum (increasing by one day per year after a year, up to a maximum of 30 days) plus bank holidays with additional days for long service
• Two days of paid leave for volunteering either with our charity of the year, or something close to you personally
• Flexible working arrangements
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Employer pension contribution of 6%
• Professional fees paid i.e. CABE, RICS or CIOB and BSR registration
• Private Health Care Insurance
• Death in Service Benefit of 3 x salary
• Eyecare contribution cost

You’ll notice that we haven’t placed a deadline on this opportunity. That’s because we are always looking for qualified inspectors. Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@hertfordshirebc.co.uk.
For an informal chat please call Richard Murrell on 07917 553438 or Richard Hearne on 07860 150870.

Equal Opportunities:

Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd fully supports the terms of The Equality Act 2010. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on any grounds. We want a diverse workforce which reflects our community and welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity and marital or civil partnership status.

If you have a disability and demonstrate that you fulfil the essential person specification criteria for the role on your application form, you will be invited for an interview. If you feel that you could carry out this post with some adjustments, please let us know. If you require arrangements made for interview etc (e.g. signing, access), please indicate this on your application.

Keeping Well at Work

Everybody responds differently to the stresses and strains of modern life. We all need and, to a degree, thrive on pressure: it gives us energy, helps with performance, and inspires confidence. But excessive pressure can lead to stress. Stress may become a problem when someone feels they don’t have the resources to cope with the demands placed upon them. Harmful levels of stress can lead to a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. 1 in 4 people experience mental ill-health at some point in their life.

Employers have an important role in improving work-life balance and it is generally recognised that work is good for health and wellbeing. But for many, ‘work’ means overcoming obstacles, excessive expectations, and challenging colleagues. For others, though, the causes of stress, anxiety or depression may not be work-related: with difficulties such as bereavement, finance, relationship breakdown, family issues, etc causing problems. Indeed, non-work-related stress, anxiety, and depression cause more sickness absence than work-related difficulties. At such times, work may be the ‘safe place’: the place where there is support and fulfilment.

HBC’s Commitment as an Employer

The Mindful Employer initiative aims to help empower employers to take a lead in supporting the mental wellbeing of their staff. By signing the ‘Charter for Employer Positive About Mental Health’, we have made a public statement of our desire to support the mental health of our staff across the HBC organisation.

As an employer, we recognise that in the UK, people experiencing mental ill-health continue to report stigma and discrimination at work. Having signed the ‘Charter for Employers Positive about Mental Health’ with Mindful Employer we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture, where colleagues feel able to talk about mental health confidently, and aspire to appropriately support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

As an employer, we have made an ongoing commitment to:

• Provide non-judgemental and proactive support to staff experiencing mental ill-health
• Not make assumptions about a person with a mental health condition and their ability to work
• Be positive and enabling towards all employees and job applicants with a mental health condition
• Support line managers in managing mental health in the workplace
• Ensure we are fair in the recruitment of new staff in accordance with the Equality Act (2010)

Balancing work, study and life we catch up with three of our apprentices to ask them a few questions about their apprenticeships.

Zavier and Ben are studying Building Control Surveying at the University of Westminster, this is their first year! Liam is studying Business Management at the University of Hertfordshire, he’s halfway through his second year.

Why is Building Control a great career choice?

Zavier – Building Control is an exciting career which has opportunities for everyone regardless of background and experience. The incorporation of both office-based and on-site roles provides a variety of day-to-day tasks and challenges which can be rewarding when successful. The learning never stops as regulations continuously update, frequent CPD training sessions are available and University courses are in place to aid development and progression.

Ben – Building control is a great career choice because it allows you to do part of the job in the office and part on-site, which is a good variety. You’ll never be bored; there’s always plenty to do and the company gives you the opportunity to expand on your knowledge by offering in-house training as well as our University led course.

What do you most enjoy about your current role? Can you describe something specific that you are enjoying working on at the moment?

Zavier –  I enjoy being out on site where I gain first-hand experience through watching a project develop. I interact with builders and ask questions which enhances my understanding of a project. Following the training and guidance from my mentor, I’m slowly beginning to take lead on some inspections. This is great for my confidence and development as I progress through my career.

Ben – The thing I enjoy most about my current role is learning about all the technical principles behind the guidance and being able to apply that to the regulations when checking plans or doing inspections.

Liam – I enjoy the split between work and study, it can be challenging to balance work and University. I have also recently finished a Level 3 technical course which enhances my knowledge of building control! I’ve enjoyed having to use time management skills to balance everything out.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining the apprenticeship programme?

Zavier –  Definitely go ahead with it, there aren’t many companies who would invest as much time and effort as HBC in supporting your development. Be ready to work hard, stay organised and never give up.

Ben – My advice to someone who is thinking about joining the apprenticeship programme is definitely go for it. It will allow you to learn while earning and by the end of it, you will be well experienced and straight into a great job.

Liam – Go for it. It builds maturity when you work alongside doing your degree. I believe that this will help me in the future of my career.

Just for fun. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?!

Zavier – It would have to be a Nandos, you can’t go wrong with a medium ½ chicken!

Ben –  Lasagne! There’s just something about the way it’s constructed…

Liam – It would have to be a Roast Dinner ?

To view vacancies at Hertfordshire Building Control please click here  and follow our page on LinkedIn  and Twitter

We are a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation retaining the ethos of public service and transparent values. We’re customer-focused delivering first-class building control services with safety and compliance at the forefront of what we do.

Overview
Hertfordshire Building Control leads the building compliance process on domestic homes and commercial building projects. We provide direction and advice from the very beginning of a building project through to its completion. Ensuring the building is compliant with the Building Regulations, is structurally sound, is safe to use and is energy efficient. We do this through our service of consultations, plans assessments and site inspections.

We have a reputation for outstanding customer service which is achieved because we are lucky enough to employ talented and committed people. In return we aim to be a top-rated employer and offer an excellent benefits package and a professional but relaxed working environment, where our people are given exceptional development and advancement opportunities.

Aligned to this we have developed a career pathway which gives clarity as to how individuals can progress within Hertfordshire Building Control and the rewards they can expect as they do so.

Whereas knowledge and experience are important we place a great deal of emphasis on values believing that people who share our values and have a passion for looking after our customers can learn the more technical aspects of the role.

You will enjoy the support of a multi-disciplined professional team but be given the autonomy and responsibility to make your mark in a growing and successful company.

Apprenticeship and Graduate Programmes
Our Apprentice Building Control Surveyors will undertake an intensive training programme which is partly based in the office and partly on site. You will be working and learning alongside experienced surveyors and also undertaking a degree in building control surveying at the UCEM (University College of Estate Management).

Take a look at the apprenticeship brochure

Keep an eye on our vacancies both here on our website and on the Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal.