At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR projects and collaborate with senior stakeholders to enhance workforce initiatives.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to equality and diversity in the workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to professional development and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on HR strategies that shape the future of local services.
- Qualifications: Chartered CIPD membership and expertise in public sector pay policy required.
The predicted salary is between 72468 - 88374 £ per year.
Location: Wandsworth, London
Closing Date: 16/11/2026
Job Category: Human Resources
Directorate: Change and Innovation
Business Area: CID – Human Resources
About Us
Can you provide senior strategic capability for critical strategic HR development work collaborating with a range of stakeholders? Reporting to the Assistant Director of HR, you will lead the design and delivery of high-profile workforce, organisational redesign, employee experience and HR improvement programmes, ensuring that strategic people initiatives are planned, governed and implemented effectively.
About the role
- Fair and sustainable pay strategy: Develop the organisational pay strategy and new pay progression arrangements, ensuring they are affordable, equitable and aligned with collective bargaining, NJC and job evaluation requirements. This will include benchmarking pay across other local authorities and leading consultation with senior leaders and trade unions.
- Equal pay: Design and deliver a proportionate programme of work in response to the findings of the equal pay audit, using sound judgement to balance evidence, fairness and organisational risk. You will advise and engage senior stakeholders, including the Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance, while managing sensitive trade union relationships.
- Redesign HR support: Develop a coherent and sustainable model of HR support for Richmond schools in partnership with key stakeholders and Achieving for Children. The model will meet the needs of maintained schools while supporting the Council to fulfil its statutory and regulatory responsibilities.
- Strategic leadership and delivery: Independently lead complex, high-profile HR and organisational development projects, proactively defining scope, governance and delivery plans. You will build trusted relationships at the most senior levels and ensure solutions reflect the wider strategic context and organisational priorities.
- Capability and legacy: Strengthen capability across HR by sharing specialist knowledge, promoting continuous professional development and embedding high professional standards. You will ensure each project concludes with effective knowledge transfer, robust documentation and sustainable arrangements.
- Wider HR leadership agenda: Play an active role in the HR Senior Leadership Team, contributing your expertise to wider divisional priorities and responding flexibly to emerging organisational needs.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Chartered CIPD membership with deep knowledge and expertise of public sector pay policy and practice.
- Deep understanding of HR systems and the use of systems and data to solve business challenges.
- High level of expertise in using and manipulating large scale data to provide insight and inform the development of policy and strategy.
- Experience and confidence working with senior leaders (including at Board level) to resolve complex and at times highly sensitive and contentious workforce issues, offering constructive challenge when professionally necessary.
- Experience of operating effectively in a highly unionised environment, with demonstrable expertise in the effective management of relationships with employee representatives in contentious and challenging situations.
- Excellent judgement, analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance evidence, risk and fairness.
Closing Date: 12pm on 16 November 2026
Shortlisting Date: 18 November 2026
Interview Date: 30 November 2026 (in-person)
All internal applicants for this secondment must seek permission from their current line manager before applying. Failure to do so may result in the secondment not being authorised.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as:
- 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
- Flexible working
- A generous pension plan
Head of Strategic Projects in London employer: Richmond and Wandsworth
Join our dedicated team in Wandsworth, where we prioritise the well-being of children and families through a supportive and collaborative work culture. As an Advanced Practitioner in our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, you'll benefit from extensive training, access to expert consultation, and a generous leave policy, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. With an Ofsted rating of 'Outstanding', we are committed to your professional growth and ensuring you feel empowered in your vital role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Projects in London
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth!
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Projects in London
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 Richmond and Wandsworth. 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 Richmond and Wandsworth 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 Richmond and Wandsworth. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Richmond and Wandsworth'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 Richmond and Wandsworth
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth.
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth 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 Richmond and Wandsworth and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
