Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• A dynamic opportunity for an experienced Interim Head of HR to lead the strategic and operational delivery of HR services within a public sector environment.
• This is a high-impact role requiring strong leadership, transformation experience, and the ability to work closely with senior executives to deliver an effective HR strategy aligned to organisational priorities.
• The postholder will manage the full employee lifecycle, lead on organisational change, and ensure continuous improvement across all HR functions.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Develop and implement the overall HR strategy in line with corporate objectives and transformation goals.
• Lead a team of HR professionals across generalist HR, employee relations, payroll, learning and development, and resourcing.
• Provide strategic HR guidance to the Executive and Senior Leadership teams, supporting performance improvement and business planning.
• Oversee major change and restructuring programmes, ensuring compliance, consultation, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure the delivery of an efficient and legally compliant HR service, including recruitment, policy development, and case management.
• Drive forward initiatives around equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including Trade Unions, professional bodies, and government representatives.
• Monitor and report on HR KPIs, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Manage the HR budget and lead procurement of HR-related services and systems.
Skills/Experience:
• Proven senior-level HR leadership experience within the public sector, ideally at Head of Service or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience leading transformational change and managing organisational restructures.
• Strong generalist HR expertise across the full employee lifecycle.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience engaging with senior executives and Trade Unions.
• Experience leading and developing HR teams to deliver high performance.
• In-depth understanding of employment legislation, HR policy, and best practice.
• Experience of managing HR budgets and driving value-for-money initiatives.
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD).
• Experience working with or understanding the role of elected members in local government.
• Recognised management qualification.
• Familiarity with structured change management methodologies.
Additional Information:
• Level 7 CIPD qualified or equivalent.
• Working Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (9:00 – 17:00).
Requirements
• Proven senior-level HR leadership experience within the public sector, ideally at Head of Service or equivalent. • Demonstrable experience leading transformational change and managing organisational restructures. • Strong generalist HR expertise across the full employee lifecycle. • Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience engaging with senior executives and Trade Unions. • Experience leading and developing HR teams to deliver high performance. • In-depth understanding of employment legislation, HR policy, and best practice. • Experience of managing HR budgets and driving value-for-money initiatives. • Evidence of continued professional development (CPD). • Experience working with or understanding the role of elected members in local government. • Recognised management qualification. • Familiarity with structured change management methodologies.