Deputy HR Director (Contract) in London

Are you an accomplished senior HR leader with experience to operate at Deputy Director level and lead a people function through a period of organisational change? I am partnering with a high-profile national arm’s-length body who is looking to appoint an Interim Deputy Director of HR on a 6-month fixed-term contract. The organisation is the UK's largest dedicated funder of community heritage and historic projects, giving grants ranging from small community sums to multi-million pound packages for UK heritage projects.

They are currently two years into an ambitious 10-year strategy and are looking for an Interim Deputy Director of HR to provide both strategic and operational leadership during an important period of change. The organisation is based in Central London and operates a hybrid working model, with employees attending the office 2-days per week.

Reporting into the Executive Director Business Services, this is a pivotal role responsible for supporting the delivery of the people agenda while providing leadership and stability across the HR function. You will play a key role in:

• Reviewing elements of the HR strategy, ensuring it remains aligned with the organisation's wider 10-year strategic ambitions.
• Leading the review and improvement of the HR ecosystem, including policies, frameworks, processes and ways of working across the people function.
• Supporting the delivery of HR and organisational change initiatives, helping to embed new approaches and provide effective leadership throughout transition.
• Providing senior operational and strategic HR leadership across the organisation, acting as a trusted adviser to Executive and senior stakeholders.
• Covering the HR Director during a period of sickness absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and effective decision-making across the HR function.
• Supporting and developing the wider HR team during a period of change, creating an environment of stability, collaboration and high performance.
• Leading on complex employee relations matters, working closely with recognised Trade Unions and ensuring constructive and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Providing expert advice on workforce matters, including Civil Service pension arrangements and exit frameworks where required.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced senior HR professional with a proven track record of operating at Deputy Director level or above within a large, complex public sector organisation. You will ideally bring experience from the Civil Service, NHS or another comparable public body, alongside significant expertise in organisational change, employee relations and Trade Union engagement. Equally important is your emotional intelligence, ability to build credibility quickly and confidence in balancing strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery. A strong understanding of Civil Service frameworks will also be highly advantageous.

The interview process will consist of a one stage interview held in person at their London office, with the successful candidate expected to start immediately or at very short notice. Apply now to join a nationally significant organisation and play a key role in shaping and supporting its people agenda over the next 6 months.