Head of People Business Partnering and Strategic Planning (Deputy Chief People & Culture Officer)

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government authority in Birmingham is seeking a Head of People Business Partnering and Strategic Planning to lead strategic HR initiatives. This role involves shaping a business partnering model aligned with transformation goals, advising Executive Directors, and developing a high-performing team. Candidates should have CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR experience and a strong track record in strategic people leadership. This position requires a hybrid working model with a minimum of two days a week in the office.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

28 days paid annual leave

EV car benefit scheme

Healthcare plans

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior HRBP or strategic people leadership role.
• Proven track record of embedding business partnering models.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and people policy.

Responsibilities

• Shape a values-led business partnering model.
• Act as senior advisor to Executive Directors.
• Lead and develop a high-performing People Business Partnering team.

Skills

Influencing executive-level decision-making

Stakeholder engagement

People insight

Change leadership

Strategic workforce planning

Education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent senior-level HR experience

Job description

At the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), we’re on a bold mission: to make our region the best place to live, work, and visit. Since our launch in 2016, we’ve been working hand-in-hand with local councils and partners to deliver transformative change across transport, housing, net zero, skills, and economic growth.

Our newly formedPeople & Culture Services directorate, led bySarah Lal, Chief People & Culture Officer (CPCO), is at the heart of this transformation. We’ve set a fresh purpose, crafted a forward-thinking strategy, and are now rolling out anew Target Operating Model - designed to elevate employee experience, boost productivity, and align with WMCA’s ambitious goals.

The team are now at the implementation stage of the new model, and this has led to clearer strategic priorities aligned to the WMCA, an increase in capability and specialism and a greater focus on employee experience and productivity.

The team is now focussed on the following areas:

• Health, Safety & Wellbeing
• Facilities, Workplace Services & Business Continuity
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
• Total Reward & Pay
• Strategic Business Partnering
• HR Operations, Policy & Shared Services
• Professions & Workforce Development
• Organisational Design, Development & Change
• Learning, EDI & Employee Experience

We’re not just changing how we work, we’re changing how we think, collaborate, and lead. A new structure and fresh ways of working are taking shape, and you could be part of this exciting journey.

We’re now looking for a dynamic and visionaryHead of People Business Partneringand Strategic Planning to deputise for the Chief People & Culture Officer and lead the integration of our people strategy into every aspect of organisational performance. As the most senior People Business Partner at WMCA, you’ll play a pivotal role in enabling confident, inclusive, and future‑focused leadership across all directorates.

Acting as a deputy conduit between Executive leadership and the People & Culture Services, you’ll ensure our people priorities are aligned with our transformation goals, service outcomes, and core values. If you feel like you’re already an ambassador of our values (Driven, Inclusive, Innovative and Collaborative), this might be the role for you.

What you will be doing.

• Shape and lead a future‑ready, values‑led business partnering model aligned with transformation goals.
• Act as the senior people advisor to Executive Directors on behalf of the CPCO as required, influencing strategy, governance, and investment through people insight.
• Embed people strategy into organisational design, change programmes, and workforce planning.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing People Business Partnering team, building strategic capability and succession.
• Champion inclusive, ethical, and evidence‑based leadership, aligned with CIPD and Civil Service HR standards.
• Ensure seamless collaboration across People & Culture Services, driving innovation and high performance.
• Provide strategic oversight of people risks, trends, and governance, using data to inform decisions.
• Lead people‑input into business cases and investment planning, ensuring value for money and alignment with financial goals.
• Represent WMCA in senior forums and deputise for the CPCO as needed.

What you need.

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent senior‑level HR experience).
• Extensive experience in a senior HRBP or strategic people leadership role within a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.
• Proven track record of influencing executive‑level decision‑making through people insight and strategic advice.
• Experience coordinating cross‑functional People input across the employee lifecycle.
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing HRBP teams and embedding business partnering models.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, people policy and public sector governance.
• Deep understanding of strategic workforce planning, organisational design, and change leadership.
• Skilled in using data, evidence, and systems thinking to drive people strategy and organisational outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, coaching, and influencing skills at Executive level.
• Strong awareness of strategic workforce drivers and organisational performance.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. We currently operate a hybrid working model, where the expectation is 2 days a week in the office as a minimum, subject to business requirements. Due to the importance of this role and the new structure, it may be that you spend more time in the office for the start of your role.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQS section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([e-mail]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing,andmortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costcomembership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser‑focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it’s needed most. What you do, really matters, your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people’s lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don’t fit the traditional “perfect candidate” mould.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don’t let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Attached documents

Head of People Business Partnering and Strategic Planning JD.docx