Assistant Director of HR – Services & Systems

Morgan Law; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected public sector organization in England seeks an Assistant Director to lead HR services and drive strategic objectives. The role involves overseeing recruitment, compliance, and data management across multiple sites. Ideal candidates will have a degree in HR, CIPD membership, and experience in public sector HR. This is a unique opportunity to impact HR delivery and uphold inclusive values in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience in HR management is required.
• Proven experience working in public sector HR is necessary.
• Proficiency in managing and motivating HR teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing HR Services function across the organisation.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and HR Information Systems.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment laws.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strategic thinking

People management

Written communication

Negotiation skills

HRIS expertise

Compliance knowledge

Education

Degree or equivalent in HR Management

Chartered CIPD membership

Job description

Are you a visionary HR leader with a passion for systems, compliance, and service excellence? Our client, an established and forward-thinking public sector institution is now seeking an exceptional individual to join its HR Leadership Team and lead strategic HR services across the organisation. This high-impact role offers a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of HR delivery, drive innovation, and enhance the organisation’s reputation as an employer of choice.

As a large and complex organisation operating across multiple sites, this employer demonstrates a strong commitment to public service, professional development, and inclusive values. As Assistant Director reporting to the Director of HR, you will lead a high-performing HR Services function, overseeing recruitment and onboarding, HR Information Systems, Employment Compliance, Global Mobility, and Employee Support. You will also work closely alongside colleagues in the HR Leadership Team to ensure the effective running of the HR department and play a key role in shaping the department’s strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Representing the Director of HR at internal and external meetings and events
• Leading forward planning and contributing to HR business plans
• Preparing policy papers, reports, and statistical analyses for senior committees
• Providing expert advice to senior managers and supporting complex casework
• Championing data integrity and overseeing HRIS performance and development
• Managing statutory and internal reporting (e.g. pay gap, EDI, compliance)
• Ensuring compliance with UKVI, DBS, Data Protection, and employment law
• Leading international recruitment and supporting staff working outside the UK
• Developing and maintaining a compelling Employer Brand in collaboration with Communications
• Promoting EDI objectives and fostering collaboration across HR and the wider organisation
• Directly managing six team across HRIS, Global Mobility, Employment Compliance, Recruitment, and Employee Support.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in HR Management or significant professional experience
• Chartered CIPD membership (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in public sector HR and working with trade unions
• Broad generalist HR expertise including compliance, recruitment, HRIS
• Excellent leadership skills with demonstrated success in managing and motivating teams
• Strong people management and written communication skills
• Strategic thinker with excellent negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• Skilled in handling sensitive information with discretion
• Digitally capable and confident with HR systems and reporting tools
• Diplomatic, tactful, and self‑managed in a complex organisational environment
• Committed to equality, diversity, and continuous professional development

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a highly respected public institution. If you’re ready to lead transformative HR services and systems, we’d love to hear from you.