At the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), we are on a bold mission to make our region the best place to live, work, and visit. Since our launch in 2016, we have partnered with local councils and partners to deliver transformative change across transport, housing, net zero, skills, and economic growth.
Our newly formed People & Culture Services directorate, led by Sarah Lal, Chief People & Culture Officer, is at the heart of this transformation. We have set a fresh purpose, crafted a forward‑thinking strategy, and are now rolling out a new Target Operating Model designed to elevate employee experience, boost productivity, and align with WMCA’s ambitious goals.
The team is now at the implementation stage of the new model, focusing on the following areas:
* Health, Safety & Wellbeing
* Facilities, Workplace Services & Business Continuity
* Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
* Total Reward & Pay
* Strategic Business Partnering
* HR Operations, Policy & Shared Services
* Professions & Workforce Development
* Organisational Design, Development & Change
* Learning, EDI & Employee Experience
Head of People Business Partnering & Strategic Planning – Deputy for Chief People & Culture Officer
We are looking for a dynamic and visionary leader to deputise for the Chief People & Culture Officer and lead the integration of our people strategy across all aspects of organisational performance.
What you will be doing
* Shape and lead a future‑ready, values‑led business partnering model aligned with transformation goals.
* Act as the senior people advisor to Executive Directors on behalf of the CPCO, influencing strategy, governance, and investment through people insight.
* Embed people strategy into organisational design, change programmes, and workforce planning.
* Lead and develop a high‑performing People Business Partnering team, building strategic capability and succession.
* Champion inclusive, ethical, and evidence‑based leadership aligned with CIPD and Civil Service HR standards.
* Ensure seamless collaboration across People & Culture Services, driving innovation and high performance.
* Provide strategic oversight of people risks, trends, and governance, using data to inform decisions.
* Lead people input into business cases and investment planning, ensuring value for money and alignment with financial goals.
* Represent WMCA in senior forums and deputise for the CPCO as needed.
What you need
* CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent senior level HR experience).
* Extensive experience in a senior HRBP or strategic people leadership role within a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.
* Proven track record of influencing executive‑level decision‑making through people insight and strategic advice.
* Experience coordinating cross‑functional people input across the employee lifecycle.
* Experience leading and developing high‑performing HRBP teams and embedding business partnering models.
* Strong knowledge of employment law, people policy and public sector governance.
* Deep understanding of strategic workforce planning, organisational design, and change leadership.
* Skilled in using data, evidence, and systems thinking to drive people strategy and organisational outcomes.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement, coaching and influencing skills at Executive level.
* Strong awareness of strategic workforce drivers and organisational performance.
* Evidence of continued professional development.
Location
The role is based at 16 Summer Lane. We operate a hybrid working with a minimum expectation of 2 days per week in the office, subject to business requirements.
How to apply
1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.
Salary and benefits
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
* Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
* Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
* 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + statutory days.
* EV car benefit scheme
* Healthcare plans.
* Discounted gym membership, will writing and mortgage advice.
* An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
* 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
* Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
* Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more. You can also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
* Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
* Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.
Why join WMCA
WMCA is laser focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.
We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it’s needed most. What you do matters; your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people’s lives every day.
Diversity and equal opportunity
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, including the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status), and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women.
We are a Disability Confident Employer with “Leader” status and a Ban the Box employer. We do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage and only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. We encourage applicants who are passionate about the role to still apply.
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