Associate Director - Workforce & Learning

Dudley Council; Dudley; Hybrid; GBP 108,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dudley is seeking an Associate Director for Workforce & Learning. The role involves leading HR transformation and organizational development, coordinating workforce strategy, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in HR operations, a strong background in strategic planning, and the ability to inspire teams. This role offers a competitive salary, working on-site and a hybrid option.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in driving strategic and operational change in HR services.
• Strong background in organizational development and transformation.
• Ability to lead and inspire teams through change.

Responsibilities

• Lead people strategy and transformation for Dudley Council.
• Oversee HR, OD, and people strategy policies.
• Drive a modern HR function using data-driven decisions.

Skills

Strategic planning

HR operations

Organisational development

Employee relations

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Relevant management degree

Tools

HR management systems

E-learning platforms

Job description

Job Details

Associate Director – Workforce & Learning

Salary: £108,016.00 - £118,680.00

Location: Dudley, West Midlands – on site and hybrid

Employer: Dudley Council

Overview

Dudley Council is seeking an outstanding individual to join our senior leadership team as the Associate Director for Workforce & Learning. This is a high‑impact, high‑profile role at the heart of our transformation journey – driving the development of our workforce strategy, organisational development plans and effective, responsive business‑partnering support to all our teams.

As a key member of our senior leadership team, you will drive strategic and operational change, working closely with Directors and Group Directors to provide robust, modern, integrated HR services, an OD programme that shapes around the needs of the authority, our priorities, is co‑produced with key stakeholders and reflects the challenges facing the Council and wider public sector. You will understand the importance of shaping a programme that is able to build strong foundations across our HR services which are shaped around the business need and provide robust assurance, enabling us to move to improvement and then onto full transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Being the Council lead for people strategy and transformation, HR operations, business partnering, responsive organisational development (OD) programmes and providing professional advice, guidance and assurance.
• Lead strategic workforce planning aligned to the Council’s operational improvement and future service needs.
• Oversee all aspects of HR, OD, and people strategy, including policy development, job evaluation, and grading structures.
• Drive a modern, data‑informed HR function through ICT innovation, business partnering, and transactional services.
• Ensure effective employee relations, employment law compliance, and robust governance.
• Lead payroll and workforce information functions, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and audit controls.
• Champion staff wellbeing and inclusion as core pillars of the people strategy.
• Support corporate transformation by embedding the new operating model and evidencing continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and Members and build partnerships across sectors to drive innovation and collaboration.
• Lead on relations where the council has traded services with outside organisations, including opportunities for growth.
• Manage budgets effectively and ensure all workforce functions demonstrate value for money and measurable impact.
• Lead the design and implementation of learning programmes that support employee development, leadership capability, talent management and retention, and champion professional development pathways to support succession planning and career progression to build a skilled and future‑ready workforce.
• Provide assurance that the council is following statutory and regulatory requirements related to training and qualifications, including safeguarding, continuing professional development and health & safety mandates.
• Embed a culture of continuous learning and improvement, supporting staff at all levels to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for high performance.
• Oversee learning innovation, ensuring the effective use of technology, e‑learning platforms, and blended learning approaches to improve access, engagement, and efficiency.
• Drive leadership and management development, ensuring current and future leaders are equipped to lead transformation and deliver outstanding services.
• Lead on apprenticeship strategy and delivery, maximising levy spend, supporting workforce entry routes, and developing future talent pipelines.
• Commission and manage all external training providers, ensuring quality, impact, and value for money.

Who We Are Looking For

A visionary leader with the understanding, experience and drive to transform HR and OD in Dudley and be central to supporting our ongoing journey of improvement and modernisation. You will bring credibility, compassion, and courage — with the ability to lead transformation, inspire teams, and work collaboratively across our Groups and partners.

Why Dudley?

Dudley is a borough on the rise — ambitious, inclusive and committed to change. Join us and play a central role in helping our residents live healthier, more independent lives. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of the Council, working at the forefront of innovation and governance. Be part of a leadership team committed to improving services, efficiency, and customer experience for our community.

Application Process

The recruitment process will comprise several stages. Initially, candidates will be long‑listed and invited to participate in technical interviews. Following this, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend assessment centres before a final interview.

Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro‑rata)

So that we can demonstrate Dudley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and to improve bias in the recruitment process that could create barriers for candidates, your personal data will be anonymised when you apply. Please ensure you have removed your name and date of birth from any attachments prior to uploading them to your application.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Dudley MBC does not offer sponsorship for candidates without the right to work.

Contact for support or assistance:

• Digital Skills and Job Applications: Dudley Adult and Community Learning – 01384 818 143 or [e-mail]
• Assistance for a disability: HR Resourcing Team – [e-mail]
• For help with applying: HR Resourcing Team – [e-mail]

Link to job on Dudley Council portal: https://www.dudleycounciljobs.org.uk/

Closing Date

Wednesday 26 November 2025.

Attachments

• Job Description & Person Specification
• Employee Benefits List.pdf

Company Information

Website: http://www.dudley.gov.uk/

Telephone: [phone]

Address: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Council House, Priory Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1HF, GB