Head of HR Information Systems

The National Audit Office (NAO) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of HR Information Systems to lead our work in HRIS and Data Analytics. This comes at a crucial time for the NAO as improving our digital and data capabilities to enable innovation is a key pillar of our 2025-2030 strategy. Internally we are seeking to get the best from our existing HRIS systems, and to use opportunities created by emerging technologies to enhance our people team functions and add value to the business.

The role will lead on setting the strategy and road map for NAO HRIS and Data Analytics as well as programme managing our deliverables in this space.

Reporting to the Director of HR Operations, the role will support upskilling the wider people team in digital and data capabilities and provide expert advice and guidance on how teams can leverage emerging technologies and identify process improvements. They will develop strong working relationships across the business, collaborating with stakeholders to achieve buy in and support of HRIS priorities.

The NAO uses XCD as its main HR platform, integrated into Certinia which is used for PSA and financial management. We also use PowerBI and iTrent for payroll. This is an exciting opportunity for a systems specialist either with existing expertise in XCD, or the aptitude and interest to quickly develop their knowledge of a new HRIS system.

Main Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the HR SLT and Digital Services team, develop the NAO’s HRIS and Data Analytics strategy and road maps for delivery.
• Lead the NAO People team’s response to emerging technologies, including identifying effective use cases; facilitating learning across teams and providing expert advice on the impact of new tech within the people space.
• Facilitate the upskilling of the people team in data literacy and competencies.
• Enhance and embed our approach to HR data analytics, identifying opportunities for effective use of analytics that will support strategic decision making.
• Programme manage the work of the HRIS team, including prioritisation of tasks – taking account of both time and resourcing requirements; as well as the value add and impact to be achieved for both the people team and wider business.
• Project manage deliverables, setting milestones and deadlines and keeping these on track.
• Lead on release management of new software, both internal improvements and central XCD updates.
• Manage the relationship between HR, Digital Services and InfoSec, keeping HR priorities on track and updating HR SLT of any potential risks to delivery.
• Build and manage relationships with external HRIS partners and vendors.
• Support the People team functions to identify opportunities for process improvements and automation to create efficiencies and add value to the end user.
• Develop and lead a framework for HR data governance.
• Drive the improvement of data quality across the People functions.
• Develop and maintain People dashboards and implement key-performance metrics.
• Working with Information Security and Digital Services teams, ensure all systems, data, processes and functions are compliant with relevant policies and legislation.
• Lead, coach and mentor junior staff

Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required:

• Proficiency with HRIS and data analytics tools (NAO systems include XCD, Certinia, iTrent although detailed knowledge of these specific systems is not an essential criteria) and a proven ability to quickly get up to speed with new applications.
• A working knowledge of the employee lifecycle and key HR functions, including but not limited to Recruitment; Pay & Reward, Learning & Development; Performance Management.
• Experience of developing and using PowerBi
• Experience in managing a work programme of activities
• Demonstrable project management and organisational skills
• Experience of leading system improvements.
• Knowledge of data protection frameworks, such as GDPR and ISO 27001.
• Experience in People analytics and data-driven decision making
• Ability to set and report on people metrics and KPIs.
• Ability to identify actionable insights and recommendations from data.
• Knowledge of relevant HR legislation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Able to build strong relationships internally and externally
• Demonstrable leadership skills

Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent experience in HR, IT, Business Analytics or a related field.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (e.g., CIPD, HRIS certification) is desirable.

How to apply

Please submit an up-to-date CV and a covering letter, no longer than two pages, outlining how you meet the skills, knowledge and experience specified above using the apply link by the deadline of Sunday, 6th July.

Assessment and interviews are expected to be held in late July

Equal opportunities and diversity

Disability and Reasonable Adjustments

Applicants with a disability who wish their application to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme should confirm this when submitting their application. Under this scheme we guarantee an interview to an applicant with a disability who meets the minimum requirements for the role. You should also let our HR team know if you wish us to consider any Reasonable Adjustments at any stage of the process (HR Service Desk ( [email protected] ).

Applicants will not be discriminated against on the grounds of any protected characteristic or any other extraneous factor.