Interim HR Transformation Lead
Contract: Interim - OUTSIDE IR35
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Working Style: Hybrid
Duration: 3 - 12 Months
Pay: ~£650 - £750
Overview
We are looking for an experienced HR Transformation Lead to support a major service redesign within Children’s Services.
This is a high-impact role for a senior HR change professional who can combine strategic workforce design with hands-on delivery. You will play a central role in shaping and implementing a large-scale transformation programme, supporting the organisation through workforce redesign, formal consultation, employee relations, and transition into a new operating model.
This is not a standard HR advisory role. We need someone who has led complex change programmes before, can work confidently in a fast-moving environment, and is comfortable operating at both strategic and detailed implementation level.
The Role
You will work alongside programme leadership and HR colleagues to lead the people workstream of a major organisational change programme. The role will involve taking the service from design phase through consultation, implementation and transition, while ensuring services remain stable and staff are supported throughout.
You will be expected to provide expert advice, practical delivery support, and calm leadership across a wide range of workforce and organisational change issues.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the HR and workforce elements of a large-scale transformation programme
* Translate service design into clear workforce structures, job design and staffing models
* Support the development of new roles, job descriptions and career pathways
* Advise on workforce planning, organisation design and post mapping
* Support job evaluation, pay benchmarking and reward considerations
* Prepare for and lead formal consultation activity, including associated employee communications
* Manage and advise on assimilation, redeployment and redundancy processes
* Provide expert guidance on employee relations issues, including complex and sensitive casework
* Work closely with Trade Unions and key stakeholders throughout the programme
* Support managers with change implementation, team integration and workforce transition
* Help manage workforce risk, service continuity and staff wellbeing during periods of uncertainty
* Produce high-quality workforce reports, data analysis and governance papers
* Identify resource gaps and recommend additional specialist support where needed
* Ensure all HR activity is legally compliant and aligned with organisational policy and governance requirements
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a credible and experienced HR change professional who has personally delivered complex transformation work in a large, unionised environment.
The successful candidate will bring:
* Significant experience leading HR input into large organisational change or restructure programmes
* Strong background in workforce planning, organisation design and workforce modelling
* Proven experience of formal consultation preparation and delivery
* Strong understanding of assimilation, redeployment and redundancy processes
* Excellent employee relations capability, including complex case management
* Experience working closely with Trade Unions and senior stakeholders
* Strong knowledge of employment law and organisational change best practice
* Confidence handling sensitive, high-risk and politically complex issues
* Ability to work strategically while also managing detailed delivery
* Strong communication and influencing skills
* Ability to bring structure, clarity and momentum to a complex programme
Ideal Background
Candidates are likely to be a strong fit if they have experience in:
* Local government or wider public sector HR transformation
* Children’s Services, social care or other complex frontline services
* Large-scale restructures affecting multiple teams and functions
* Organisation design, consultation and implementation in unionised environments
* Interim HR transformation or programme-based HR leadership roles