Head of Corporate Services: HR, Governance & Change

West Sussex County Council; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Job summary

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service seeks an experienced HR leader to become Head of Corporate Services, guiding governance, people services and performance in a transforming local government context.

Reporting to the Strategic Authority, you will drive strategic HR and business partnering, organisational change and procurement, with travel across the county and occasional remote work. Strong public sector experience and political awareness are essential.

Qualifications

• Professional strategic HR management qualification (e.g. CIPD) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Experience leading multiple corporate service functions.
• Strong governance, finance, workforce and performance management knowledge.
• History of leading high performing teams delivering customer-focused services.
• Proven budget management and strategic decision-making on major priorities.
• Excellent leadership, with ability to inspire and empower teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for HR and Business Partnering, governance and performance management.
• Deliver governance, high-quality people services and compliant decision-making.
• Lead areas: HR & Business Partnering, Organisational Change, Governance, Performance & Data, Contracts & Legal.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and elected members to drive transformation and public value.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Public sector governance knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Political awareness

Education

CIPD or equivalent qualification

Job description

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service seeks an experienced HR leader to become Head of Corporate Services, guiding governance, people services and performance in a transforming local government context.

Reporting to the Strategic Authority, you will drive strategic HR and business partnering, organisational change and procurement, with travel across the county and occasional remote work. Strong public sector experience and political awareness are essential.