Director of People in Macclesfield

Director of People in Macclesfield

Macclesfield Full-Time 100993 - 119532 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and organisational development for Cheshire East Council.
  • Company: Cheshire East Council, committed to transformation and community impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on building a resilient leadership culture.
  • Why this job: Shape a modern organisation and make a real difference in the community.
  • Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with a track record in large-scale transformation.

The predicted salary is between 100993 - 119532 ÂŁ per year.

Salary: £100,993 – £119,532

Location: Crewe / Macclesfield (hybrid, with borough‑wide travel)

Choose Challenge. Choose Change. Choose Cheshire East.

Overview

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.

Who we’re looking for

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 in Macclesfield employer: People Management magazine

Cheshire East Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative change within a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, inclusive culture, and community impact, this role as Director of People allows you to shape the future of the organisation while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working in the vibrant locations of Crewe and Macclesfield. Join us in making a meaningful difference for residents and communities across Cheshire East.
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Contact Detail:

People Management magazine Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of People in Macclesfield

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector or HR field. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about opportunities at Cheshire East Council. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent initiatives and transformation programmes. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in being part of the Cheshire East team.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Macclesfield

Workforce Strategy
Organisational Development
Change Management
Employee Relations
Organisational Design
Culture Change
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Political Awareness
Resilience
Pragmatism
High-Performance Management
Communication Skills
Trust Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR and organisational development. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of People, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a core leadership role, it’s essential to convey your leadership style in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead change effectively, so share examples of how you’ve successfully managed transformation in previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for shaping culture and capability shines through.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at People Management magazine

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Cheshire East Council's recent transformation initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their workforce strategy and organisational development goals. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Director of People, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led large-scale transformations in previous roles. Highlight your ability to engage and build trust within teams, especially during times of change.

✨Emphasise Cultural Fit

Cheshire East is looking for someone who can embed an inclusive and high-performing culture. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully fostered such environments in the past. Share strategies you've used to promote employee engagement and collaboration.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking. Inquire about the council's vision for the future and how they see the People function evolving. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term success.

Director of People in Macclesfield
People Management magazine
Location: Macclesfield

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