Head of HR Operations and Systems

Networking Women in the Fire Service; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 94,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A major firefighting organization in Greater London is seeking a Head of HR Operations and Systems. The role involves leading HR system improvements, managing compliance in employee relations, and advising senior managers on pay and reward matters. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in HRIS and industrial relations. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits including hybrid working and access to a gym.

Benefits

26 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Hybrid working available

Free access to the Brigade gym

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in HR Operations and Systems, particularly with HRIS.
• Demonstrated ability to manage pay, reward, pensions, and policy.
• Strong background in industrial relations and engagement with representative bodies.

Responsibilities

• Lead on HR systems and digital improvements.
• Manage compliance and fair employee relations.
• Advise on pay and reward matters.

Skills

HR Operations

Digital improvements

Industrial relations

Policy oversight

Compliance

Job description

Post: Head of HR Operations and Systems
Salary: £94,755 per annum
Grade: TMGC
Salary range: £94,755 – £104,841 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Application closing date: 4 PM on Tuesday 10 February 2026

About the Role

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London’s fire and rescue service – one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city. Employing over 5000 people across our operational team (our firefighters), control (our call handlers who answer 999 calls), fire safety and our non-operational team (our team who work behind the scenes to support our front-line services, which includes Fleet, IT, HR, Finance, Procurement, Communications team and many more).

To ensure continuing improvement in how we deliver HR services at LFB, we are recruiting a Head of HR Operations and Systems. This is a key time to be joining the team as we head towards the implementation of a new HR Information System and seek to continuously improve the part we play in supporting our colleagues every day as they keep London safe.

Responsibilities

• Lead on all People Services system, data and digital improvements including the implementation of new HR systems, innovation e.g. AI, and maximising the opportunity for automation and empowerment of managers and staff.
• Senior lead in People Services on Industrial relations, including policy oversight and engagement with Representative bodies.
• Manage pay, reward, pensions and policy to ensure compliance and transparent, fair and inclusive employee relations.
• Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs-london-fire-gov-uk.jobsmarket.site/pages/en-gb/jobsto access the full advert.

Equality and Diversity

We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Assessment Overview

Stage 1

To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV, provide a cover letter to provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:

1. Provide evidence of your experience of HR Operations and Systems (HRIS) including data and digital improvements including the implementation of new HR systems, innovation e.g. AI, and maximising the opportunity for automation and empowerment of managers and staff.
2. Advise, guide and support senior managers on all aspects of pay, reward and pensions including the associated compliance and governance.
3. Explain and describe your experience of industrial relations and specifically liaising and engaging with representative bodies.

Please note that we will score the evidence you provide based on the competencies listed in the selection criteria above.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend stage 2.

Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.

Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.

Stage 2

Assessment for this role is due to take place on Friday 27 February 2026 at the LFB Headquarters in Central London. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.

Additional Information

Benefits of working for the London Fire Brigade

• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
• Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
• Hybrid working is available, subject to business need.
• Free access to the Brigade gym
• Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
• Free counselling
• Season ticket loan
• Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount scheme including access to Blue Light Card retail and hospitality discounts
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation

Criminal records check

In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.