Head of People Systems

Howdens has an exciting opportunity for a Head of People Systems to lead the strategy, delivery, optimisation, and governance of our People Systems landscape. In this influential role, you’ll shape our long‑term technology direction while ensuring our systems remain reliable, secure, compliant, and aligned to the needs of our diverse workforce across manufacturing, Trade, and Support functions in the UK, ROI, Channel Islands, and parts of Europe.

You will lead a team of five specialists alongside a third‑party AMS partner, accountable for delivering our People Systems roadmap; including the successful enterprise‑wide implementation of Workday and the upgrade from Kronos Workforce Central 8.1 to UKG Workforce Management Pro.   This is a full‑time, permanent role. With the team primarily based across our Northampton and Croxley Park offices, we would ideally like this to be the base location for our new Head of People Systems.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and annual company bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Private medical insurance for you and your family
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Staff Discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

What you will be doing

• Responsible for a global People Systems estate supporting 12,000+ employees across the UK, ROI, Channel Islands, and parts of Europe.
• Leading a People Systems team of 5 specialists plus an embedded third‑party AMS partner and SI partner to deliver BAU operations and major programmes.
• Leading Workday enterprise-wide implementation(Recruitment, HCM, Absence, Time Tracking, Scheduling, Payroll UK/ROI, Help & Journeys, Reporting) through go‑live and continuous optimisation.
• Delivering the UKG Workforce Management Pro upgrade across manufacturing, distribution and Trade operations.
• Setting and executing the People Systems strategy and multi‑year roadmap, including Workday enhancements, HMRC Payrolling Benefits (2027)  aligned to business priorities and technology trends.
• Shaping future system capabilities, identify optimisation opportunities, and drive continuous improvement.
• Owning configuration, integrations, testing, releases and change governance; driving performance, adoption and risk mitigation.
• Embedding strong controls and compliance (UK SOX, audit, data protection) with rigorous documentation and data stewardship.
• Partnering with HR, Payroll, Finance, Operations, Trade and Technology; leading forums, steering committees and vendor reviews.
• Ensuring reliable day‑to‑day service (integrations, data quality, incident/ticket management, BAU enhancements) for a diverse workforce operating near 24/7, 365 days per year.
• Managing a multi‑system landscape including Zellis ResourceLink, Cornerstone Learning, Civica OPAG, SAP C4S, Navex, ANTTELCOM, Access Recruitment, and multiple integrations.
• Holding responsibility for People Systems budgets, licensing, supplier contracts, and financial forecasting.
• Managing relationships with multiple third-party vendors, including Workday, UKG, AMS partners, pensions and share plan providers.

What we need from you

• Strong, hands‑on Workday expertise across multiple modules plus a solid HR and Payroll systems background, process and legislative knowledge.
• A track record delivering complex implementations or large digital programmes, with vendor/AMS leadership, cross‑functional teams and stakeholder influence.
• Knowledge in governance frameworks, audit, controls, data security and compliance (incl. UK SOX),
• Ability to communicate simplify technical concepts and complexity for non‑technical audiences.
• Experience in multi‑site, high‑complexity organisations, ideally with distributed and unionised workforces and varied digital accessibility.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of UKG Workforce Management Pro or adjacent HR technologies.
• Experience in manufacturing, retail, logistics, or distributed workforces.
• Exposure to European HR/payroll operations or geographical expansion.
• Familiarity with works councils or trade union environments.

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware.  We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.  Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. 

As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply

We’re building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we’re keen to hear from you.  

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you

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