Head of HR People Services

Optalis; Maidenhead; Hybrid; GBP 69,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Local Government Pension scheme

Job summary

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Maidenhead is seeking a Head of HR People Services to lead the end-to-end employee lifecycle, payroll and HR systems. The role reports to the Assistant Director – HR, Corporate Projects and IT and focuses on delivering efficient, customer‑focussed HR services.

You will lead, develop and deliver HR transformation projects, drive data insight for workforce planning, and present high-quality reports and cabinet papers to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading multiple HR areas and operations.
• Extensive payroll, reward and benefits framework management.
• Track record delivering complex HR transformation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end employee lifecycle services including recruitment, onboarding, payroll and benefits administration.
• Drive automation, reporting capability and data-led decisions for improved service performance.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation across People Services.
• Provide strategic leadership for corporate HR projects within time, scope and budget.

Skills

HR leadership

Payroll management

Process improvement

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Change management

Tools

HRIS platforms

Payroll software

Job description

Head of HR People Services

Job profile for Head of HR People Services

Maidenhead

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary £69,083 - £75,442 per annum

Contractual hours 37

Basis Full time

Package Generous annual leave allowance and an attractive pension scheme, plus flexible working and much more

Job category/type Human Resources

Date posted 21/10/2026

Job reference REQ02730

Attachments Application Guidance.pdf October 2026 Head of HR People Services.docx

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for Head of HR People Services to join us!

This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working - 3 days per week office based in the Town Hall in Maidenhead, and a salary of £69,083 - £75,442 per annum.

About us:

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Head of HR People Services to join our Human Resources team.

The role:

Reporting to the Assistant Director – HR, Corporate Projects and IT, this role provides strategic leadership and management, securing a strong sense of purpose for the whole HR Service, ensuring all functions operate cohesively within the statutory framework and relevant legislation, and are resident and customer focused.

Your role will:

• Lead the services who delivery the end-to-end employee lifecycle services, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, pay and benefits administration, HR systems, and employee data management, ensuring a consistent, high-quality customer experience.
• Ensure the effective management and development of HR systems and data, driving automation, reporting capability, and data-led decision making to improve service performance and organisational insight.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across People Services by reviewing processes, systems, and policies, embedding a culture of efficiency, accountability, and customer focus.
• Provide strategic leadership for corporate HR and organisational projects, ensuring programmes are effectively designed, governed, and delivered on time, within scope and budget, and achieve intended outcomes.
• Lead, drive and support the teams to deliver relevant projects and initiatives of the RBWM People Plan 2030 and any other HR strategy or action plan.
• Provide expert advice and insight to senior leaders on people services, workforce data, reward strategy, and project delivery, supporting evidence-based decision making.
• Develop and present high-quality reports, business cases, and cabinet papers, ensuring clear communication of complex information to senior stakeholders.

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrable experience in leading and managing several HR areas and operations.
• Extensive experience in managing payroll, reward and benefits frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislation, audit requirements, and organisational policy.
• Strong track record of leading and delivering complex corporate or HR transformation projects, including system implementations, organisational change, service redesign, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience of HR systems leadership, including implementation, optimisation, and use of HRIS platforms to improve automation, reporting, and data insight.
• Experience of developing and using HR analytics and management information to inform strategic decision-making, service improvement, and workforce planning.
• Demonstrable experience of providing excellent customer service and leading teams to deliver same.
• Experience of budget management including both revenue and capital and leading procurement exercises.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern of 3 days in the office, for a better work-life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Interview dates: week commencing 9 November 2026

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Nikki Craig, Assistant Director – HR, Corporate Projects and IT on [e-mail]

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.