People and Culture Manager

Job Title: People and Culture Manager

Reference number: CF26-26

Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow (Hybrid)

Salary: Band E, £44,087 – £50,726 per annum

Post Type: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week)

Closing Date: 24th June 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 6th July 2026

Make a real difference for children and families across Scotland

Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for every child because every child deserves a safe and happy childhood. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in helping us build a workforce that can deliver life-changing support to children, young people and families.

We are looking for an experienced People and Culture Manager to help shape an engaged, inclusive and high-performing organisation where colleagues can thrive and where, together, we can make a lasting difference.

About the role

This is a key leadership role within our People Team. You’ll lead the delivery of people strategies and practices that support organisational success and create a positive colleague experience from recruitment through to development and retention.

Working closely with leaders across the organisation, you will:

• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex people matters
• Lead high-quality HR service delivery and continuous improvement
• Shape workforce planning, recruitment and retention approaches
• Drive a positive, inclusive and values-led culture
• Use people data and insights to inform decision-making

You’ll balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, ensuring our people practices meet both current and future needs.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced People professional who thrives on building strong relationships and making a real organisational impact.

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience in a senior HR / People role
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• Proven experience managing complex employee relations matters
• Experience developing and implementing people strategies
• A track record of influencing and coaching stakeholders at all levels
• Confidence using data and insights to drive improvements
• Experience supporting culture, engagement, wellbeing and DEI initiatives
• Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building skills

It would be great if you also have:

• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)
• Experience in the charity, public or third sector
• Experience with HR systems and process improvement

Why join us?

At Children First, our values guide everything we do:

• With love: we put children first
• With purpose: we transform children’s lives together
• With strength: we do whatever it takes

We offer a supportive and flexible working environment along with:

• 40 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing support , including counselling services
• Access to Westfield Health and lifestyle benefits
• Blue Light Card discounts
• A Fair Work accredited workplace

Our commitment to inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Apply now

If you’re passionate about creating great colleague experiences and want to play a key role in improving outcomes for children and families, we’d love to hear from you. Click here to apply.