At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and shape organisational culture while partnering across the business.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the DCMS Senior Civil Service.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover role based in Manchester with initial travel to London.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people strategy and drive transformation in a complex organisation.
- Qualifications: CIPD Chartered Fellow membership or willingness to achieve it; senior HR leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted virtually by Andrew Faulkner, and will take place on: 11:15, Thursday 18th June. The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the application, and the interview and assessment process.
Please register your interest before 09:00 Thursday 18th June by filling out this form and you will be sent an invitation. Invites will only be sent after this deadline has passed. This will take place virtually, via Google Meets. If you wish to attend the session anonymously, and you are using a google email address to join, please ensure that you have changed how your name appears before joining the call. Please note that the session will not be recorded.
Role context
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Deputy Director, Human Resources is a critical leadership role on the People and Workplace Directorate’s Senior Leadership Team. This role partners across the entire business and is vital for delivering and iterating our People Strategy. The successful candidate will join the DCMS Senior Civil Service, shaping the organisation's culture and ways of working.
The HR function manages all functional and transactional HR aspects of the employee lifecycle: Recruitment, Resourcing, Talent, Leadership, L&D, Diversity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, HR Policies, Reward, Performance Management, Employee Relations, and Case Work. It also leads transformation, change, and engagement initiatives, adhering to the Government Functional Standard for Human Resources.
As a dynamic and innovative leader, you will oversee programmes and services to achieve the People Strategy goals. Current priorities include: delivering the 26/27 Pay Award, enhancing staff engagement, investing in line manager capability, relocating roles to the Manchester hub (Places for Growth), maturing strategic workforce planning, and implementing a government-wide shared services HR system. This 12-month maternity cover role is based in Manchester, requiring initial travel to London to build relationships; hybrid working is standard thereafter.
Person specification
The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience, please note that desirable skills will only be used in the event of tied candidates:
- Must have achieved CIPD Chartered Fellow membership (FCIPD) or be willing to work towards an experience assessment of this qualification upon commencement.
- Strategic Leadership & Transformation: senior HR leadership experience within a complex organisation, with a proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver structural transformation and operational design. A track record of building inclusive, high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and workforce capability enhancement.
- HR Innovation & Change Management: experience of successfully leading delivery through a culture of innovation and innovative thinking; adept at spotting emerging trends and opportunities and translating them into impactful outcomes. This will include applying innovative approaches to modernise and transform HR service delivery.
- Executive Stakeholder Influence: a track record of acting as a trusted advisor and constructive challenger to Board-level executives and senior stakeholders, with the ability to align people strategies with wider business goals.
- High-Performance Delivery: experience of driving high-performance delivery in ambiguous or fast-changing environments, successfully managing competing, high-stakes priorities across multiple HR portfolios while building team resilience.
- Operational Excellence & Data Insights: experience of leading a user-focused, legally compliant HR service. Proven ability to interpret complex data and metrics at a strategic level to influence decisions, mitigate risk, and drive continuous improvement across HR systems and practice.
Desirable Skills
- OD&D consultancy experience - working as a strategic OD consultant or equivalent.
Deputy Director, HR (maternity cover) in Manchester employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
As a Deputy Director of HR at our Manchester hub, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee engagement and development. We offer a dynamic work culture that embraces innovation and inclusivity, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the Senior Civil Service. With hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to shaping a positive workplace culture, we provide a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in HR.
Contact Details:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, HR (maternity cover) in Manchester
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✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, HR (maternity cover) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Department for Culture, Media and Sport. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Department for Culture, Media and Sport, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Department for Culture, Media and Sport uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
