Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategies and foster collaboration for organisational growth.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organisation focused on transformation and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, supportive leadership, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team driving cultural change and innovation in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced HR leaders with strong management and interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and influence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are absolutely thrilled to be working exclusively with Thurrock Council to find their new permanent Head of HR & OD. Are you a seasoned HR leader with a proven track record of uniting HR functions into a cohesive and collaborative force for change and improvement? Do you thrive on developing and delivering forward-thinking people strategies in partnership with senior leadership to drive cultural transformation and organisational effectiveness? Are you experienced in navigating the complexities of public sector environments, building strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders?
If so, this permanent opportunity with Thurrock Council—an ambitious organisation in the midst of exciting transformation—offers the platform to lead, influence, and make a tangible impact across the organisation and wider community.
As Head of HR and Organisational Development, you’ll join a skilled, passionate and friendly team, reporting directly to the Assistant Director for People Services, and working closely with the Head of Payroll, Pensions, Data and Transactional Services. You’ll help shape and deliver a new Corporate Plan and People Strategy that support the Council’s vision for growth and resilience, and you’ll play an important role in the preparations for Local Government Reorganisation.
This role spans a number of HR specialisms, including Business Partnering, Employee Relations, Learning, Policy Development and OD, and plays a key role in embedding a collaborative, data-informed and continuously evolving HR service. You’ll lead with clarity, empathy and purpose, all the while contributing to a culture of innovation and shared success.
Key responsibilities include:- Leading the development and implementation of the People Strategy in alignment with the Corporate Plan.
- Providing strategic HR leadership across the function, driving performance and collaboration.
- Facilitating a modern HR Business Partnering model to meet organisational needs.
- Strengthening Employee Relations and fostering constructive partnerships with Trades Unions.
- Using people data and insight to drive continuous improvement and organisational learning.
- Enhancing Learning and OD programmes to build capability and resilience across the workforce.
- Working cross-functionally to maximise service delivery.
- Defining and delivering HR performance metrics aligned with strategic objectives.
We’re looking for a forward-thinking HR professional who is delivery driven with excellent management and interpersonal skills, together with a strong track record of enabling high-performing teams. If you have a public sector background, thrive in fast-evolving settings and can navigate complexity and ambiguity with confidence, we’d love to hear from you.
You will be joining a positive working environment with strong supportive leadership, giving you the autonomy to make your mark in this fantastic role. The role is permanent and offers hybrid working with 2-3 days a week on-site in Thurrock.
Head of Human Resources employer: Morgan Law
Contact Detail:
Morgan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former employees of Thurrock Council to gain insights into their HR practices and culture. This can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your understanding of their specific needs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in public sector HR management, especially those related to organisational development and employee relations. Being well-versed in these areas will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to lead HR transformations and build collaborative teams. Highlighting specific achievements will help you stand out as a candidate who can drive change effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Thurrock Council's current initiatives and challenges, particularly regarding their Corporate Plan and People Strategy. This knowledge will enable you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HR leadership, particularly in public sector environments. Emphasise your ability to unite HR functions and drive cultural transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use specific examples of your past achievements in developing people strategies and building relationships with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight key skills such as strategic HR leadership, employee relations, and data-informed decision-making. Make sure to mention any experience you have with HR Business Partnering and organisational development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨Understand the Organisation's Vision
Before your interview, take the time to research Thurrock Council's vision and current initiatives. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to contributing to their transformation.
✨Showcase Your HR Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your ability to lead HR functions effectively. Focus on instances where you successfully implemented people strategies or improved organisational effectiveness, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building Skills
Given the importance of building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex environments in the past. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and influenced decision-making within an organisation.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
As the role involves using people data to drive improvements, prepare to discuss how you've utilised data insights in your previous positions. Highlight any metrics you've developed or used to measure HR performance and how they informed your strategies.
