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- Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and organisational development to transform Cheshire East Council.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, committed to modernising services and enhancing community impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape culture, competitive salary, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on sustainable improvement and regional collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving change and making a real difference for communities.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with a track record in large-scale transformation.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
This is a core leadership role at the heart of Cheshire East's transformation. You will lead the council's workforce strategy and organisational development, shaping a modern, high-performing organisation capable of delivering for residents and communities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Resources, you will have a core role in enabling the council's wider transformation and future operating model. This is a role defined by change.
You will build and redefine the People function: clarifying purpose, modernising its operating model and ensuring it delivers real value to the organisation, putting its people at the heart of your work. You will lead major workforce transformation programmes, including organisational redesign, workforce planning, and significant change initiatives, while embedding a culture that is inclusive, high-performing and focused on outcomes.
For an experienced leader, this is a career-defining opportunity to shape culture, capability and performance at scale.
The Organisation Cheshire East Council is entering a significant period of transformation and renewal. The council has recently embarked on a programme of organisational change aimed at strengthening leadership stability, modernising services and ensuring long-term financial resilience. At the same time, Cheshire East is preparing to work closely with the emerging Combined Authority, creating new opportunities to shape regional growth and collaboration. The council is committed to building a cohesive and resilient senior leadership team capable of delivering sustainable improvement and delivering lasting impact for residents, communities and businesses across the borough.
We are seeking an experienced HR and Organisational Development leader with a track record of delivering large-scale transformation within complex, ideally public sector organisations. You will bring deep expertise across workforce strategy, organisational design, employee relations and culture change, alongside experience of leading high-performing HR and OD functions. You will be a resilient, pragmatic and values-driven leader, with the credibility and political awareness required to operate effectively at senior levels. You will be comfortable leading significant change, including workforce restructuring and modernisation, while maintaining strong engagement and trust across the organisation. Above all, you will bring the clarity, energy and leadership required to rebuild the People function and enable the council to deliver its ambitions.
Director of People employer: Penna
Contact Detail:
Penna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on roles that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent initiatives and transformation programmes. Show them you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the People function and how you plan to lead change. Confidence is key, so rehearse with a friend or in front of the mirror until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of People role. Highlight your leadership experience in HR and organisational development, as well as any relevant transformation projects you've led.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led workforce transformation or improved organisational culture in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Be genuine in your application and let your personality shine through. Share your passion for people and how you envision shaping a high-performing organisation at Cheshire East Council.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us streamline the process. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penna
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Director of People and the specific challenges Cheshire East Council is facing. Research their recent transformation initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it has driven successful workforce transformations in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to lead change, engage teams, and foster an inclusive culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to organisational redesign or employee relations. Think through potential scenarios in advance and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Express genuine interest in Cheshire East's vision for the future. Discuss how you can contribute to their goals of modernising services and building a resilient leadership team, showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but are invested in their mission.