Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategies and manage business partnering for Lewisham Council.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse community championing inclusion and support for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and local discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant borough while shaping people leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven senior HR experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 78000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of People and Business Partnering role at Lewisham Council
Join to apply for the Head of People and Business Partnering role at Lewisham Council
Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Introduction
Are you ready to shape the future of people leadership in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs? We’re looking for a strategic and inspiring HR leader to join us as Head of People & Business Partnering. If you thrive in complex environments, lead with purpose, and bring a passion for inclusive, high-impact people strategies—this is your moment.
We are looking for an experienced strategic HR leader with a strong track record of navigating complex stakeholder relationships in politically sensitive environments at senior executive level. You’ll bring deep, current insight into the challenges facing local authorities, and a proven ability to design and deliver people management solutions that meet these head-on.
What’s the role?
As Head of People & Business Partnering, you’ll lead, develop, and manage our HR business partnering function—driving a strategic, customer-focused service across the Council. Reporting to the Director of Law and Governance, you’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, shaping and delivering people strategies that drive transformation, performance, and engagement.
You’ll oversee workforce planning, organisational design, and change management initiatives, ensuring that HR practices are aligned with the Council’s vision and values. You’ll also lead on complex casework, and the development of departmental people plans—ensuring consistency, compliance, and excellence in service delivery.
What’s in it for you?
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, collaborative leader who builds strong relationships, influences at senior levels, and delivers results. You’ll be strategic, data-savvy, and able to lead through change while inspiring your team and championing inclusion.
You’ll bring:
A proven track record as a senior HR practitioner in complex settings.
Expertise in stakeholder management within political and executive environments.
A strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and collaborative leadership.
The credibility and insight to lead with influence and impact.
If you\’re ready to shape how we support, develop, and empower our people—we’d love to hear from you.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.
Applicant handbook – please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Jeremy Chambers,
Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification
Salary
ÂŁ77,157 to ÂŁ83,448 per annum (SMG3)
N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Let’s stay connected, follow us on social media:
LinkedIn Facebook X Instagram
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Human Resources
-
Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Lewisham Council by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Head of Human Resources” roles.
Head of People & Business Operations, EMEA
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Regional Human Resources Director – Europe
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Regional Human Resources Director (UK, Spain, Italy) – Jumeirah
Senior Director, Site Head of Human Resources
Slough, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago
Managing Director, HR & Org. Development
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Head of Human Resources Business Partnering (EMEA)
London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Reigate, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Head of Employee Benefits- International
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 20 hours ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Greater London, England, United Kingdom 23 hours ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Greater London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of People and Business Partnering employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People and Business Partnering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham Council's values and recent initiatives. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion will help you align your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Lewisham Council, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations for the Head of People and Business Partnering position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships in politically sensitive environments. This will showcase your experience and ability to thrive in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges facing local authorities, particularly in HR. Being knowledgeable about these issues will allow you to speak confidently about how you can address them in your potential role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People and Business Partnering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Head of People and Business Partnering role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these expectations.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Since CVs are not accepted, focus on writing a compelling supporting statement. Address each criterion in the person specification clearly, providing specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your qualifications.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Emphasise your strategic HR leadership experience and your ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've successfully led teams and implemented people strategies in previous roles.
Highlight Commitment to Inclusion: Given the Council's focus on equality and inclusion, make sure to express your commitment to these values. Share instances where you have championed diversity and inclusion initiatives in your previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Before your interview, take time to research Lewisham Council's vision and values. Understanding their commitment to diversity and community will help you align your responses with their goals, showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Given the emphasis on navigating complex stakeholder relationships, prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed such dynamics. Be ready to discuss how you influenced decisions at a senior level.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a strategic HR leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to think critically about people management solutions. Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that drove transformation and engagement.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Collaboration
Lewisham Council values equality and inclusion. Be sure to highlight your commitment to these principles in your leadership style. Share examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment and collaborated effectively with diverse teams.
