Head of People & Business Partnering - Inside IR35 - £55 per hour - London

Ashdown Group; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A public sector organisation in Milton Keynes seeks an experienced strategic Head of People & Business Partnering to enhance HR services. This interim role involves leading a customer-focused HR business service and requires proven senior HR leadership experience. Candidates should possess exceptional stakeholder management skills and a strong track record in delivering strategic HR solutions, particularly in local government or complex organisations. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, initially for 26 weeks, at a rate of £55 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior HR leadership, ideally within local government or complex organisational settings.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills at senior levels.
• Strong track record of delivering strategic HR solutions that support organisational objectives.
• Experience guiding high-performing teams through transformation.
• Deep understanding of employment legislation and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead a customer-focused HR business partnering service across the organisation.
• Act as a trusted senior advisor to executive leaders on people-related matters.
• Oversee complex case management and ensure compliance with employment legislation.
• Drive HR projects and organisational development programmes focused on culture.
• Utilise people analytics and workforce data for strategic decision-making.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic HR solutions delivery

Organisational change navigation

Data analytics

Equality and diversity initiatives

Job description

Overview

Government body seeks an experienced strategic Head of People & Business Partnering to lead and enhance HR business partnering services across the borough. Based in central London – hybrid, at least 2 days per week in the office. This is an interim role for 26 weeks from approximately 25th August and paying £55 per hour, less deductions for insurance, taxes and umbrella company charges (PAYE £42 per hour). The closing date is Monday 11th August.

Successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders to align HR strategies with organisational objectives, delivering innovative people solutions and fostering inclusive workplace practices. With a strong focus on workforce planning, talent management, and organisational design, this key leadership position requires a professional with a sophisticated understanding of local authority environments and senior stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead a customer-focused HR business partnering service across the organisation, ensuring alignment with strategic organisational goals.
• Act as a trusted senior advisor to executive leaders on all people-related matters, providing expert guidance and support.
• Oversee complex case management and ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR policies.
• Drive cross-departmental HR projects and organisational development programmes centred on culture, inclusion, and employee engagement.
• Utilise people analytics and workforce data to inform strategic decision-making and planning.
• Develop and implement departmental people plans, ensuring consistency and quality in service delivery across the organisation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including trade unions, to foster collaborative working environments.
• Champion equality, diversity, and accessibility initiatives to promote an inclusive workplace culture.
• Provide inspirational leadership to HR teams, contributing to the development of HR strategy and policy frameworks.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior HR leadership, ideally within local government or complex organisational settings.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at senior levels.
• Strong track record of delivering strategic HR solutions that support organisational objectives.
• Experience navigating organisational change and guiding high-performing teams through transformation.
• Data literate, with the ability to utilise people analytics for workforce planning and decision-making.
• Deep understanding of employment legislation, HR best practices, and equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking, operational delivery, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This is a great opportunity to lead significant projects and introduce lasting change, contributing to ongoing success.

If you are a strategic HR leader with a passion for public service transformation and inclusivity, we invite you to apply now and help shape the future of the organisation’s people strategies. Our client values expertise, innovation, and proactive leadership—qualities we look forward to seeing in your application.