Head of HR Operations

Head of HR Operations

Liverpool Full-Time 42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR operations, recruitment, and employee engagement for Liverpool City Council.
  • Company: Join Liverpool City Council, a forward-thinking organisation committed to community representation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27+ days holiday, flexible working, and health support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on HR practices and promote diversity and inclusion.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR operations and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and career progression.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.

Head of HR Operations – Liverpool City Council

Overview

An exciting opportunity to join Liverpool City Council as our Head of HR Operations. This is a key strategic role within the People and Organisational Culture Team, focused on leading and driving forward all things HR in relation to our People Plan. You will lead the design and implementation of effective HR service delivery models, ensuring high quality, customer‑focused support for managers and employees across Liverpool City Council. The role provides strategic leadership to the HR operations function, driving organisational performance, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, and fostering a culture of innovation, equality, diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing.

Responsibilities

  • HR Operations – oversee all aspects of HR operations, including recruitment, employee relations, and HR business partnering; ensure HR policies and procedures are up‑to‑date, compliant with employment law, and reflect best practices
  • Workforce Planning and Development – lead workforce planning initiatives to address current and future staffing needs using data and insight to evidence strategies
  • Recruitment and Retention – lead recruitment and retention strategies/policies to support the Council’s ambition to be an employer of choice with a diverse workforce, reflective of communities served
  • Employee Relations and Engagement – oversee complex employee relations cases, ensure fair and consistent application of policies, consult with trade unions as required, and promote positive employee relations
  • Change Management – lead and support organisational change programmes, including restructures and transformation projects, with effective consultation and communication processes
  • Compliance and Risk Management – ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements related to employment law, safeguarding, and data protection
  • Performance Management and Reporting – monitor and report on HR performance metrics, driving continuous improvement of HR services
  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) – champion EDI across the workforce, ensuring policies and practices are inclusive and accessible

Our offer to you

  • At least 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays rising to 32 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part‑time) with option to purchase additional days
  • Agile working (role dependent) – a Flexibility First approach to agile working
  • Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme
  • Progression and development through a wide range of learning opportunities
  • Health and wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme
  • Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes
  • Salary sacrifice car lease scheme (Drive Time)
  • Family‑friendly policies with enhanced leave
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Employee volunteering scheme

Next steps

Closing date: midnight on Friday 3 October 2025

Interview date: Week commencing 13 October 2025

Interview format: face‑to‑face, competency‑based; you may also be required to deliver a presentation

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date if we receive sufficient applications. Please complete an application as early as possible.

Note: this vacancy is classified as a politically restricted position.

Additional information

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact Claire Harris, Talent and Attraction Lead, at claire.harris@liverpool.gov.uk.

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under‑represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. If you require reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, please contact recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk.

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK or meet Home Office criteria for visa sponsorship. Sponsorship should be evaluated against the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.

This is not legal advice; seek independent legal advice if needed.

Seniority level

  • Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Full-time

Job function

  • Human Resources
  • Government Administration and Human Resources Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Liverpool City Council. Get notified about new Head of Human Resources Operations jobs in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom.

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Head of HR Operations employer: Liverpool City Council

Liverpool City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With generous holiday allowances, flexible working options, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the Council fosters a culture where every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community. Join us in Liverpool, where your strategic leadership in HR operations will make a significant impact on our workforce and the diverse communities we serve.
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Contact Detail:

Liverpool City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of HR Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in HR or local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research Liverpool City Council's recent initiatives and challenges in HR. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their People Plan. We want to see you shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on competency-based questions and be ready to discuss your approach to employee relations and change management. We’re here to help you nail it!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you that interview!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR Operations

HR Operations Management
Recruitment and Retention Strategies
Employee Relations
Workforce Planning
Change Management
Compliance with Employment Law
Performance Management
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Strategic Leadership
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Consultation with Trade Unions
Organisational Development
Customer-Focused Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Head of HR Operations role. We want to see how you can lead HR operations and drive organisational performance!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and foster a positive culture!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance. We appreciate straightforward communication!

Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we get enough applications, so get yours in through our website as soon as you can!

How to prepare for a job interview at Liverpool City Council

✨Know Your HR Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest HR trends, legislation, and best practices. Being well-versed in employment law and HR service delivery models will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader who can drive the People Plan forward.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Prepare to discuss how you've previously led workforce planning initiatives or recruitment strategies. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to use data and insights to make informed decisions that align with organisational goals.

✨Engage with EDI

Since equality, diversity, and inclusion are key aspects of this role, be ready to share your experiences in championing EDI within a workforce. Discuss how you've implemented inclusive policies and practices that reflect the communities served.

✨Prepare for Competency Questions

Expect competency-based questions that assess your experience in employee relations and change management. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex cases or led transformation projects, and be prepared to explain your approach and outcomes.

Head of HR Operations
Liverpool City Council
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