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- Tasks: Lead HR strategies and drive organisational change for a thriving workforce.
- Company: Midlothian Council, a progressive public sector organisation in Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape a positive culture and make a real impact on community development.
- Qualifications: CIPD Chartered professional with senior HR leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 71476 - 78219 ÂŁ per year.
Midlothian Council is seeking to appoint an experienced and dynamic Service Leader – People & Culture to provide strategic leadership for the organisation’s workforce, culture and people services. Reporting to the Chief Officer – Corporate Solutions and working closely with the Chief Executive and Corporate Management Team, this role will be central to shaping an engaged, high-performing organisation capable of delivering the Council’s long‑term ambitions.
Midlothian is one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas. The Council’s Single Midlothian Plan sets out ambitions to reduce inequalities in learning, health, economic circumstances and climate change. Delivering these priorities relies on a capable, engaged workforce supported by strong leadership, modern people practices and a positive organisational culture. The People & Culture service plays a central enabling role in achieving these ambitions, supporting workforce capability, leadership development and organisational transformation across the Council.
This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced HR professional who can operate confidently at corporate level while leading a proactive People & Culture service that drives culture, capability and continuous improvement.
The RoleThe Service Leader – People & Culture will lead the Council’s integrated HR function, ensuring delivery of workforce strategies, people policies and organisational development that support corporate priorities and statutory responsibilities. Acting as the Council’s lead HR professional and a key member of the Corporate Management Team, the postholder will contribute directly to organisation‑wide strategy, decision‑making and cultural development. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a collaborative and engaging leader who can work across senior leaders, trade unions and external partners to support workforce transformation.
- Providing strategic HR leadership and advice to the Chief Executive and Corporate Management Team
- Leading workforce, people and organisational development strategies aligned to Council priorities
- Driving organisational change, transformation and workforce planning across services
- Leading equalities, wellbeing and employee engagement agendas and embedding a positive culture
- Developing a corporate learning and development strategy to strengthen leadership and capability
- Leading complex employee relations and trade union negotiations
- Ensuring HR policies comply with employment legislation, national agreements and best practice
- Representing the Council in national forums including COSLA and external bodies
- Leading and developing the People & Culture team to deliver high‑quality HR support
Midlothian Council is seeking a credible and experienced HR leader with the capability to operate at the most senior levels of a complex public sector organisation. You will bring a strong track record in workforce strategy, organisational development and service improvement, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at senior level. You will be a degree‑qualified, CIPD Chartered professional with significant senior HR leadership experience in a large or complex organisation, ideally within the public sector or a similarly governed environment.
You will have experience operating at corporate leadership level and contributing to organisation‑wide strategy and decision‑making, alongside strong knowledge of employment law, workforce governance and public sector frameworks. You will also bring experience in leading organisational change, managing teams and budgets, and delivering strategic programmes of work. A visible, collaborative and engaging leadership style, with a strong commitment to equality, inclusion and employee wellbeing, is essential. A postgraduate management qualification or leadership development programme would be advantageous.
Working for Midlothian CouncilMidlothian Council offers a supportive and progressive working environment, alongside a strong benefits package including flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of wellbeing and employee support initiatives.
Service Leader - People & Culture in Dalkeith employer: Aspen People
Contact Detail:
Aspen People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Leader - People & Culture in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Midlothian Council's recent initiatives and challenges. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven change and improved culture in previous roles. We want to hear about your impact and how you can bring that to the Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Midlothian Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Leader - People & Culture in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Leader – People & Culture. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what Midlothian Council is looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. We want to see your collaborative and engaging style in action!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on your HR experience, especially in workforce strategy and organisational development. Mention any public sector experience you have, as it’s a big plus for this position. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at Midlothian Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Service Leader – People & Culture role. Familiarise yourself with Midlothian Council’s Single Midlothian Plan and how it aligns with workforce strategies. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in the organisation's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the collaborative and engaging approach required for this role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams through change or improved organisational culture, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Employment Law
Brush up on your knowledge of employment legislation and best practices, especially in the public sector context. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated complex employee relations and trade union negotiations in the past, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the council’s future. Inquire about their current challenges in workforce transformation or how they measure success in employee engagement. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely invested in contributing to their mission.