Strategic HR Manager

Harrow Council; Harrow; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The London Borough of Harrow is recruiting a Strategic HR Manager to shape HR and OD strategies that drive cultural change and deliver a high‑performing workforce. You will lead on workforce priorities, advise directorates and partners, and champion equality across the Council.

As part of a two-year fixed-term contract, you will work with senior leaders and trade unions to strengthen leadership capability and deliver lasting value for communities.

Qualifications

• CIPD qualification or equivalent professional HR accreditation.
• Proven experience leading HR and OD initiatives within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations, and organisational development practices.
• Experience delivering large-scale change programmes, including restructures and TUPE transfers.

Responsibilities

• Lead on HR and OD strategies to drive cultural change.
• Advise directorates and align workforce plans with priorities.
• Inspire and develop HR professionals; build partnerships with senior leaders and unions.
• Deliver large-scale change programmes, including restructures and TUPE.

Skills

CIPD qualification

HR leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

TUPE experience

Workforce analytics

Budget management

Communication skills

Diversity & inclusion

Problem solving

Education

CIPD or equivalent HR accreditation

Job description

Overview

The London Borough of Harrow is excited to be recruiting a talented Strategic HR Manager to join our forward‑thinking Resources & Innovation Directorate. This is a brilliant opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of our organisation by delivering progressive HR and Organisational Development strategies that drive cultural change, strengthen leadership capability and create a thriving, high‑performing workforce.

You will lead on key workforce priorities that have real impact—enhancing wellbeing and attendance, reducing agency reliance, and supporting major organisational change. You will be the trusted adviser to directorates, aligning workforce plans to directorate priorities and outcomes. As a key member of the HR leadership team, you will develop and inspire HR professionals, build strong partnerships with senior leaders and trade unions, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion across the Council. If you are CIPD‑qualified, experienced in leading HR and OD initiatives in complex environments, and passionate about making a difference, this is an exciting chance to help shape Harrow’s workforce and deliver lasting value for our communities.

The selection process will include a competency-based test and interview.

Two Year - Fixed Term Contract Opportunity.

Positions Available: 3

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• CIPD qualification or equivalent professional HR accreditation.
• Proven experience in leading HR and Organisational Development initiatives within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations, and organisational development practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop HR teams, fostering high performance and engagement.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels.
• Experience in delivering large-scale change programmes, including restructures and TUPE transfers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret workforce data and drive evidence-based decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, including report writing and presenting complex information clearly.
• Financial awareness and experience in managing budgets.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement in all aspects of HR delivery.

Related Documents

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria