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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing HR Service Centre team to deliver exceptional HR services.
- Company: Join a dynamic and innovative People Capability & Change Directorate.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fast-paced work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR services and drive meaningful change across government.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations, payroll, and leading teams through change.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders and make a real impact in a supportive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
The People Capability & Change (PC&C) Directorate provides direction, drives change and delivers support on the Department’s people issues. We are an exciting, fast‑paced place to work and we operate as a single team, working flexibly across themes as required, to use our combined knowledge and expertise in the most effective and efficient way.
The Head of HR Shared Services is a key leadership role within the HR Operations team. We are seeking a dynamic, innovative and proactive leader who will ensure we deliver exceptional HR transactional services to our colleagues. In this role, you will lead an established HR Service Centre team, responsible for delivering the service – maximizing the benefits of our existing technology and continuing to make process improvements.
Delivering HR services is changing across government, and you will be responsible for leading and navigating this significant change for the HR Service Centre – as well as working collaboratively with colleagues on the Government Unity Shared Services Programme. This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced HR operations leader with strong knowledge of payroll, pensions, and transactional HR to shape the service, guide the team through major change, and ensure we continue to deliver a reliable, efficient and modern HR service.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, inspire and develop a high‑performing HR Service Centre team, ensuring delivery of a consistent, high‑quality HR service.
- Set a clear strategic direction for the function while also maintaining the ability to step in, troubleshoot, and support the team where needed.
- Ensure operational excellence, strong service discipline, and effective risk management — getting the basics right, every time.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, using data, insight and evidence to identify and prioritise enhancements to processes, capability and customer experience.
- Champion simplification, automation and digital improvements to streamline service delivery and reduce friction.
- Ensure processes remain compliant with policy, audit and employment law requirements.
- Build trusted, credible and influential relationships with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, centres of expertise, and external stakeholders.
- Confidently represent the HR Service Centre, including when navigating challenges, presenting evidence, or defending difficult decisions.
- Work collaboratively across government, especially with colleagues on the Unity Shared Services Programme, ensuring departmental needs and challenges are understood and reflected.
- Lead organisational and workforce transition plans for the HR Service Centre, ensuring they are well‑planned, well‑communicated and executed smoothly.
- Support colleagues throughout periods of change, ensuring resilience, clarity and continuity of service.
- A resilient, inclusive leader, with experience successfully guiding teams through complex and demanding scenarios.
- Demonstrable experience of delivering HR transactional services and leading HR operations or shared service functions.
- Strong understanding of HR systems, payroll, pensions and operational compliance.
- A creative problem‑solver who promotes a solution‑focused culture and champions continuous improvement.
- Digitally confident, with experience using HR systems and data to drive decision‑making.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong judgement, a hands‑on approach, and the ability to combine strategic thinking with operational delivery.
- Adaptable, flexible and a strong team player, able to work collaboratively across the wider HR function.
Head of HR Service Centre in England employer: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR Service Centre in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the HR field. Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your answers. Plus, it’s a great way to receive constructive feedback and improve your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR Service Centre in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR operations and shared services. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential Head of HR Service Centre, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully guided teams through change. Share specific examples that showcase your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
Highlight Continuous Improvement: We love candidates who are all about driving improvements! Use your application to illustrate how you've used data and insights to enhance processes and customer experiences in previous roles.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HR transactional services, payroll, and pensions. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams through change and delivered high-quality HR services in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in guiding teams through complex scenarios. Think about times when you've inspired your team or navigated challenges effectively.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about how you've driven process improvements in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've used data and insights to enhance customer experience and streamline service delivery.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated across departments and managed expectations during transitions.