Head of HR

4Recruitment Services; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK local authority recruitment firm is seeking an Interim Head of HR Services to lead the development and implementation of the HR strategy. The ideal candidate will have substantial local authority experience and strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include overseeing HR operations, driving change management initiatives, and ensuring high performance. This role offers a day rate of £750 and requires a notice period of one month or less.

Qualifications

• Proven Head of Service-level HR experience in a local authority (essential).
• Strong expertise in HR strategy, change management, and employee relations.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver HR strategy in partnership with the Executive Team.
• Lead and develop the HR function to ensure high performance and capability.
• Oversee transformation programmes and organisational design.
• Ensure effective HR operations, payroll, recruitment, and employee relations.
• Drive change management initiatives.
• Monitor KPIs and provide strategic insight.
• Manage HR budget and supplier contracts.

Skills

HR strategy development

Change management

Stakeholder management

Employee relations

Job description

Overview

Interim Head of HR Services Local Authority — Location: West London — Day Rate: £750 (inside IR35)

We are seeking an experienced Head of Service-level HR professional with proven local authority experience to lead the development and implementation of Council s HR strategy.

Submission Requirements

• Candidates must have prior Head of Service-level experience within a local authority.
• Agencies must obtain and confirm written email authority from candidates before submission.
• Maximum notice period: 1 month.

The Role

As Interim Head of HR Services, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the council s HR strategy, fully aligned with the wider business plan and KPIs. You will lead the HR team across the full employee lifecycle, ensuring service excellence, compliance, and strategic alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver HR strategy in partnership with the Executive Team.
• Lead and develop the HR function to ensure high performance and capability.
• Oversee transformation programmes, organisational design, and consultation processes.
• Ensure effective HR operations, payroll, recruitment, and employee relations.
• Drive change management initiatives and embed best practice.
• Monitor KPIs and provide strategic insight and recommendations.
• Lead Learning & Development and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Manage HR budget and supplier contracts to ensure value for money.
• Maintain strong employee engagement and trade union relationships.

Requirements

• Proven Head of Service-level HR experience in a local authority (essential).
• Strong expertise in HR strategy, change management, and employee relations.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Available on 1 month notice or less.