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- Tasks: Lead HR operations, drive digital improvements, and enhance employee experience.
- Company: Join the London Fire Brigade, one of the largest firefighting organisations globally.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, extra leave, gym access, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on HR services while supporting those who keep London safe.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations, systems, and industrial relations required.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 94755 - 104841 £ per year.
Salary range: £94,755 - £104,841 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Application closing date: 4 PM on Tuesday 10 February 2026
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London’s fire and rescue service – one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city. Employing over 5000 people across our operational team (our firefighters), control (our call handlers who answer 999 calls), fire safety and our non-operational team (our team who work behind the scenes to support our front-line services, which includes Fleet, IT, HR, Finance, Procurement, Communications team and many more).
To ensure continuing improvement in how we deliver HR services at LFB, we are recruiting a Head of HR Operations and Systems. This is a key time to be joining the team as we head towards the implementation of a new HR Information System and seek to continuously improve the part we play in supporting our colleagues every day as they keep London safe.
About the Role
The postholder will be resilient, and have a keenness to drive improvement across HR Operations, including our Service Desk, Policy, Pay and Reward and Pensions functions. They will take responsibility and accountability for reviewing all HR systems and processes and modernising them to bring about an improved and easier staff experience.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Lead on all People Services system, data and digital improvements including the implementation of new HR systems, innovation e.g. AI, and maximising the opportunity for automation and empowerment of managers and staff.
- Senior lead in People Services on Industrial relations, including policy oversight and engagement with Representative bodies.
- Manage pay, reward, pensions and policy to ensure compliance and transparent, fair and inclusive employee relations.
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
Assessment Overview
Stage 1
To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV, provide a cover letter to provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:
- Provide evidence of your experience of HR Operations and Systems (HRIS) including data and digital improvements including the implementation of new HR systems, innovation e.g. AI, and maximising the opportunity for automation and empowerment of managers and staff.
- Advise, guide and support senior managers on all aspects of pay, reward and pensions including the associated compliance and governance.
- Explain and describe your experience of industrial relations and specifically liaising and engaging with representative bodies.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend stage 2.
Stage 2
Assessment for this role is due to take place on Friday 27 February 2026 at the LFB Headquarters in Central London. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.
Benefits of working for the London Fire Brigade
- Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
- Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
- Hybrid working is available, subject to business need
- Free access to the Brigade gym
- Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
- Free counselling
- Season ticket loan
- Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff discount scheme
Head of HR Operations and Systems employer: London Fire Brigade
Contact Detail:
London Fire Brigade Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR Operations and Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the London Fire Brigade and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission to keep London safe.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work at LFB, which can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment day by practising common interview questions related to HR Operations and Systems. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience with HRIS and digital improvements clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at LFB and ready to contribute to making London a safer city.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR Operations and Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of HR Operations and Systems. Highlight your experience with HRIS, data improvements, and any innovative projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of your experience in HR operations, especially around implementing new systems and engaging with representative bodies. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Achievements: When discussing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you lead a successful project? Implement a new system? We love to see how you've made a difference in your previous positions!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Fire Brigade
✨Know Your HRIS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in HR Information Systems, especially any you've implemented or improved. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven digital improvements and automation in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Industrial Relations Savvy
Prepare to talk about your experience with industrial relations. Highlight instances where you've successfully engaged with representative bodies and how you navigated complex compliance issues.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of HR Operations, you'll need to show strong leadership. Think of examples where you've led teams through change, particularly in implementing new systems or processes that improved staff experiences.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
The London Fire Brigade values diversity, so be prepared to discuss how you've promoted inclusivity in your previous roles. Share specific initiatives you've led or been part of that reflect a commitment to diverse hiring and employee support.
