At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people agenda and drive culture and EDI initiatives during a transformative period.
- Company: Respected public sector organisation with a strong reputation for purpose-driven work.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working model, and immediate start available.
- Other info: Opportunity for executive-level exposure and significant influence on future direction.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on organisational change and employee experience.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience in complex organisations, especially in public sector.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an Interim Director of People Services to provide executive-level leadership during a significant period of strategic, organisational and governance change. The successful candidate will lead the people agenda, drive workforce planning, culture and EDI initiatives, and provide expert ER/IR leadership, helping position the organisation for the successful delivery of its new corporate strategy.
Our client is a large, highly respected public sector organisation entering an exciting period of strategic evolution. With a new organisational strategy due to launch and a number of significant governance and transformation initiatives underway, they are seeking an experienced Interim HR Director to provide executive-level leadership during a critical phase of change. This is a unique opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation with a strong reputation and make a lasting impact on its people agenda, culture and future direction.
Reporting to the Executive Team, the Interim Director of People Services will provide strategic leadership across the full employee life-cycle, ensuring the People function is positioned to support both immediate operational priorities and longer-term organisational ambitions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing visible and credible leadership of the HR function.
- Leading the development and delivery of the People Strategy aligned to organisational objectives.
- Supporting the implementation of a new organisational strategy and wider transformation agenda.
- Delivering strategic workforce planning to ensure future organisational capability.
- Leading complex employee relations and industrial relations activity within a unionised environment.
- Building and maintaining effective partnerships with Trade Unions and key stakeholders.
- Driving organisational development, leadership capability and culture change initiatives.
- Leading the organisation's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and associated programmes.
- Supporting governance reform and organisational change activity.
- Ensuring robust people governance, compliance and risk management frameworks are in place.
Profile
The successful candidate will be an experienced Interim Director of People Services with a proven track record of operating at Executive level within complex organisations. You will possess:
- Previous experience as an HR Director, Executive Director of People or equivalent.
- Strong employee relations and industrial relations expertise, ideally within unionised environments.
- Demonstrable experience of leading large-scale organisational transformation and change programmes.
- Significant experience in strategic workforce planning and organisational design.
- A track record of developing and embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies.
- Experience supporting organisations through governance and structural change.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Board, Executive and senior leadership level.
- The credibility, resilience and pragmatism required to operate effectively in a high-profile interim appointment.
- Experience working at HR Director / Interim Director of People Services in a Public Sector and Government, Not-For Profit or Charity sector is essential.
Job Offer
Six-month interim assignment. Competitive day rate in line with market rates. Inside IR35 engagement. Hybrid working model. Opportunity to lead a high-profile people agenda during a significant period of transformation. Immediate start available. Executive-level stakeholder exposure and impact. Location: Cheshire and Manchester.
Interim Director of People Services employer: Michael Page
Join a highly respected public sector organisation in Cheshire and Manchester as an Interim Director of People Services, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the workforce during a transformative period. This role offers a competitive day rate, hybrid working model, and the chance to lead impactful initiatives in culture, EDI, and governance reform, all within a purpose-driven environment that values employee growth and strategic evolution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of People Services
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨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
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Michael Page and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of People Services
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 Michael Page. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Michael Page, 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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page.
✨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 Michael Page.
