At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and drive organisational transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Birmingham City Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, competitive pension, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on employee engagement and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualified with significant HR leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 66627 - 85845 £ per year.
Please note this vacancy is only available to Birmingham City Council employees.
Fixed Term Contract/ Secondment/Acting Up Grade 7 - £66,627 - £85,845
Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review
Working 36.5 hours per week
Are you a strategic HR leader ready to shape the future of a large, complex and purpose-driven organisation? We are seeking an exceptional Head of HR to lead the delivery of a high-performing, innovative and people-focused HR service. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced HR professional who can influence at executive level, drive organisational transformation and create a culture where people thrive. Working closely with senior leaders, you will develop and deliver forward-thinking people strategies that support organisational priorities, workforce transformation, engagement and performance improvement. This role is ideal for someone who combines strong commercial and strategic thinking with a collaborative and values-led leadership style.
About the Role
- Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s People Strategy
- Partner with Directors and senior stakeholders to deliver strategic workforce solutions
- Drive organisational change, transformation and cultural development initiatives
- Lead and inspire HR teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused people services
- Use workforce data, insight and analytics to influence decision-making
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of the organisation
- Develop strong relationships with Trade Unions and key stakeholders
- Ensure HR policies, procedures and practices remain compliant, modern and fit for purpose
- Champion innovation, continuous improvement and employee engagement
About You
- We are looking for a dynamic HR leader with:
- Significant senior-level HR leadership experience within a large and complex organisation
- Strong experience of organisational development, workforce planning and transformation
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- A strong understanding of employment law and HR best practice
- Experience working within unionised environments
- The ability to lead strategically while managing operational priorities
- Outstanding communication, coaching and relationship-building skills
- A data-driven and evidence-based approach to decision making
- A passion for developing inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures
Qualifications
- CIPD Level 7 qualified (or equivalent experience)
What We Offer
- A meaningful leadership role with real organisational impact
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Competitive pension scheme
- Ongoing professional development and leadership support
- A collaborative and inclusive working environment
If you are an ambitious HR leader who thrives on delivering change, building strong partnerships and shaping organisational success through people, we would love to hear from you. Please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application, this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve. Our data tells us that for this level of role, ethnic minorities are underrepresented and therefore we will use positive action to support us to achieve diverse shortlists. This may mean that recruitment times are a little longer, but we think this is worth it to achieve our aim.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
For any informal enquiries please contact the Resourcing Team at Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk
Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Head Of HR in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer that offers a meaningful leadership role as Head of HR, where you can make a real impact in a large, complex organisation. With flexible and hybrid working opportunities, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and innovation. Join us to shape the future of our workforce and contribute to a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of HR in Birmingham
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Birmingham City Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Birmingham City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of HR in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Birmingham City Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Birmingham City Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Birmingham City Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Birmingham City Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Birmingham City Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Birmingham City Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Birmingham City Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
