Founded in 1844, Central YMCA was the first of what’s now a global and diverse federation of 120 independent national YMCAs. Though they operate across four regions of the UK, their Central London site has been their home since 1911. It’s their flagship hub for education, health and wellbeing, and is home to YMCA Club, the largest gym facility in central London. Their education and employment programmes run in 10 local communities and support 16-19-year-olds to develop new skills and gain the necessary qualifications and work experience to move into further training or employment.

Like many businesses with a high reliance on footfall, the business model was affected by the pandemic. However, they're now in a much stronger place, with a new strategy and real optimism across the organisation. With a new Director of Fundraising and Director of Education also recently in post, they’re entering the next phase with tangible positivity, determination and collaboration. It’s a great time to join them!

In this role, you’ll ensure that the people aspects of operations are supporting this trajectory of rebuilding and growth. You’ll lead their people strategy and be their expert adviser on key issues. While the current HR team is already performing at a high level, theywant to further develop their capacity in this area, and you’ll ensure they've skilled-up to meet the challenges and new demands of growth. You’ll contribute to the wider transformation process, with a focus on aspects such as culture, wellbeing and embedding EDI across the organisation.

Candidates will bring the full toolkit of HR strategy and practice, with extensive experience in issues such as recruitment and retention, building and ensuring capacity, and designing effective learning and development plans. You must bring well-developed team management skills, as well as commercial acumen and a calm, flexible approach to what is sometimes a rapidly changing work environment. CIPD qualified, with a track record of developing and implementing effective people strategies in a comparable context, you’ll have an encyclopaedic grasp of HR practice and the finely-honed professional skillset they need to take them forward.

Click here to view the candidate pack.

If you have any questions that aren’t covered in the candidate materials, please email on ymca-hhr@cadencepartners.co.uk

Closing date: 10 December 2023.