Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR transformation and develop a workforce strategy for Sandwell Council.
- Company: Sandwell Council is dedicated to empowering communities and enhancing local services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Join a bold journey of modernisation and make a real difference in local governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR transformation and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
- Other info: Contact GatenbySanderson for more details; applications close on 26th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Enabling People, Empowering Communities, Enhancing Places
Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. We have been through a period of significant challenge including government intervention, but through determination and our drive for excellence, we look to the future with pride and a sense of purpose. While we have come so far, there is more to do; breaking down silos, embedding our values across the organisation, and ensuring that we continue to transform to deliver the best services for our residents. Created 50 years ago from six proud towns, each unique but united by a shared identity and rich culture, Sandwell is a place built on making things happen. It’s where industry met innovation, and where strong communities continue to shape the future.
At Sandwell Council, we’re on a bold journey, modernising how we work and how we serve our communities. As part of this journey, we are transforming our workforce strategy and developing an organisational development plan that empowers our people to deliver for our residents. Our HR service needs to evolve to offer business partnering support across the authority, and as Chief People Officer you will act as strategic advisor to corporate colleagues, the Chief Executive and Members. You will drive a customer-focused HR and OD function that supports real organisational change, leading the implementation of a revitalised workforce strategy, embed a culture of performance and accountability, and ensure our people practices are fit for the future. You will lead our organisational development strategy, moving beyond training to deliver a robust OD plan that aligns with our council ambitions and supports directorates to deliver better outcomes.
As Chief People Officer you will bring experience of transforming HR operations to provide a modern, business partnering approach, and deliver an OD service that leads and responds to the many challenges facing local government, empowering colleagues to improve service delivery at levels in the council. You will bring a wealth of experience of developing constructive relationships with trade unions, whilst addressing long-standing workforce challenges, updating our people policies and embedding agile practices. Maximising the use of our new Oracle Fusion system to improve data, insight and decision-making. We are open to sector background and experience, but require someone with the energy and enthusiasm to transform HR and OD in Sandwell Council and be central to supporting our ongoing journey of improvement and modernisation.
For further information speak to our executive search partners GatenbySanderson: Sandra Jones (07826 404091) or Philip Emms (07590 225472).
Closing date: Tuesday 26th August 2025
To apply please click the Apply Now link below. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Chief People Officer employer: Sandwell Council
Contact Detail:
Sandwell Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sandwell's unique identity and culture. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission to empower communities and enhance places during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Sandwell Council. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and the specific challenges they face, which you can address in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with modernising HR operations and implementing workforce strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully transformed HR functions in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build constructive relationships with trade unions. Highlighting your experience in this area will demonstrate your capability to navigate complex workforce challenges effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief People Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in HR transformation, organisational development, and strategic advisory roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve service delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for transforming HR and OD within local government. Mention your understanding of Sandwell's unique challenges and how you plan to address them.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles that showcase your ability to lead organisational change, develop relationships with trade unions, and implement effective people policies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Council
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with Sandwell's story and its ambitions. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of modernising services and empowering communities.
✨Showcase Transformational Experience
Highlight specific examples from your past roles where you successfully transformed HR operations or implemented organisational development strategies. This will demonstrate your capability to lead change effectively.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Discuss your experience in developing constructive relationships, especially with trade unions. This is crucial for addressing workforce challenges and ensuring a collaborative environment.
✨Be Data-Driven
Mention your familiarity with data-driven decision-making and how you can leverage systems like Oracle Fusion to enhance HR practices. This shows your commitment to using technology for better outcomes.