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- Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and organisational development for Cheshire East Council.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, committed to transformation and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape organisational culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence regional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a leadership role during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with a track record in large-scale transformation.
The predicted salary is between 100993 - 119532 £ per year.
This is a core leadership role at the heart of Cheshire East’s transformation. As Director of People, you will lead the council’s workforce strategy and organisational development, shaping a modern, high-performing organisation capable of delivering for residents and communities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Resources, you will have a core role in enabling the council’s wider transformation and future operating model.
This is a role defined by change. You will build and redefine the People function: clarifying purpose, modernising its operating model and ensuring it delivers real value to the organisation, putting its people at the heart of your work. You will lead major workforce transformation programmes, including organisational redesign, workforce planning, and significant change initiatives, while embedding a culture that is inclusive, high-performing and focused on outcomes. For an experienced leader, this is a career-defining opportunity to shape culture, capability and performance at scale.
Cheshire East Council is entering a significant period of transformation and renewal. The council has recently embarked on a programme of organisational change aimed at strengthening leadership stability, modernising services and ensuring long-term financial resilience. At the same time, Cheshire East is preparing to work closely with the emerging Combined Authority, creating new opportunities to shape regional growth and collaboration. The council is committed to building a cohesive and resilient senior leadership team capable of delivering sustainable improvement and delivering lasting impact for residents, communities and businesses across the borough.
We are seeking an experienced HR and Organisational Development leader with a track record of delivering large-scale transformation within complex, ideally public sector organisations. You will bring deep expertise across workforce strategy, organisational design, employee relations and culture change, alongside experience of leading high-performing HR and OD functions.
You will be a resilient, pragmatic and values-driven leader, with the credibility and political awareness required to operate effectively at senior levels. You will be comfortable leading significant change, including workforce restructuring and modernisation, while maintaining strong engagement and trust across the organisation. Above all, you will bring the clarity, energy and leadership required to rebuild the People function and enable the council to deliver its ambitions.
Closing date: 23:59pm on Sunday 24th May 2026.
Director of People employer: Festival of Work
Contact Detail:
Festival of Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Cheshire East Council. A friendly chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the council’s recent initiatives and challenges. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their transformation goals and how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed change in previous roles. Confidence is key, so let your passion for people shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR and organisational development. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of People, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a core leadership role, it’s essential to convey your leadership style in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead change effectively, so share examples of how you've successfully managed transformation in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your passion for shaping a high-performing organisation shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Festival of Work
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Cheshire East Council's recent transformation initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their workforce strategy and organisational development goals. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of People, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led change in previous roles, particularly in public sector organisations. Highlight your ability to engage and build trust across teams while driving transformation.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
Cheshire East is looking for someone who can shape an inclusive and high-performing culture. Be ready to share your thoughts on what a positive workplace culture looks like and how you've contributed to fostering it in past positions. This will demonstrate that you understand the importance of people in organisational success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the council's challenges. Inquire about their vision for the People function and how they measure success in their transformation efforts. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their long-term goals.