At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and workforce development for a large, dynamic organisation.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council, committed to community impact and positive culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape local government and influence organisational change.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for both established leaders and high-potential candidates.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while guiding a workforce through significant transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and ability to drive organisational change.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
Shape the future. Lead with purpose. Make a lasting impact. Hertfordshire County Council is seeking an exceptional Director of People to join us at a pivotal point in our journey. We are a large, ambitious and forward-looking authority, driven by a strong sense of purpose and a deep commitment to delivering for our communities. We have built a positive and supportive culture, underpinned by strong workforce foundations and an established People Strategy, alongside a clear ambition to go further. At the same time, we are entering a period of significant change, with Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) now underway.
This presents a rare, career-defining opportunity to take on a senior leadership role, guiding our workforce through change while helping to shape the future of local government across Hertfordshire. Although the detail of LGR is still evolving, this moment offers a genuinely exciting opportunity: to provide stability and clarity in the present, while playing a key role in designing and influencing the organisation of the future.
The Role: As Director of People, you will lead a significant and complex portfolio, supporting a workforce of around 9,000 employees alongside our schools community and Fire & Rescue service. This is a hands-on, high-impact role with real influence over both current priorities and the future shape of the organisation. You will be responsible for leading the strategic and operational delivery of HR, workforce strategy, organisational development and payroll, while also driving the people and workforce workstream for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). As a key member of the corporate leadership team, you will act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive and Members, playing a visible and credible role and driving organisational performance, culture and continuous improvement.
Success in this role will require a leader who combines strategic insight with strong operational grip and the ability to build trusted relationships. You will provide clarity and direction through a period of uncertainty, ensuring the organisation remains safe, effective and well-governed from a people perspective. You will strengthen leadership capability and overall organisational performance, while building and sustaining effective relationships with Members, partners and trade unions. While culture and organisational development remain important, there is a clear priority on delivering strong, resilient HR leadership over the coming years, ensuring the organisation has the solid foundations it needs as it evolves.
About You: You will be a credible and thoughtful leader, comfortable operating at Executive level in a complex, politically-led environment. You will bring:
- A strong track record of leading a wider range of HR functions at scale
- Proven experience overseeing and delivering organisational change and transformation, maintaining pace while sustaining core services
- The ability to translate strategy into practical, high-quality delivery
- The credibility to influence, advise and support at the most senior level
Just as importantly, you will:
- Build trust quickly and work collaboratively
- Challenge constructively, bringing fresh thinking and sound judgement
- Operate with confidence, clarity and resilience in the face of ambiguity.
We welcome applications from both established Directors and high-potential leaders ready to step up, who can demonstrate the capability to succeed at this level.
How To Apply: If you are ready to take on a role of real scale, influence and impact and to help shape the future of Hertfordshire we would love to hear from you. For a confidential conversation or to find out more, please get in touch with a member of the Penna Team.
- Ali Tasker: 07514 728114 or ali.tasker@penna.com
- James Miller: 07701233159 or james.mller@penna.com
- Rachael Morris: 07840 711217 or rachael.morris@penna.com
Key Dates in Recruitment Timeline:
- Sunday 19th July – Role Closes
- Week Commencing 27th July – Technical/Preliminary Interviews (Online)
- Week Commencing 10th August – Final Assessment and Final Panel (In person)
Director of People in Hertford employer: Penna
Hertfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Director of People to lead a dedicated workforce of around 9,000 employees during a transformative period in local government. With a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive culture, the council fosters an environment where leaders can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the community. This role not only provides the chance to shape organisational strategy but also to influence the future of local governance in Hertfordshire, making it a truly rewarding career choice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in Hertford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Penna!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Penna.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Hertford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Penna. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Penna and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Penna. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Penna's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penna
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Penna.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Penna will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Penna and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
