At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and planning for a major public service business.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to improving community services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce effectiveness and employee experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in workforce strategy and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Head of Workforce Strategy, Planning & Payroll Governance
Location: Home Based (UK) with occasional travel
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Shape the future of workforce strategy across one of the UK's largest public service businesses. At Serco, our people are at the heart of delivering essential public services. We're looking for an experienced workforce leader to define and deliver the workforce strategy across our Justice & Immigration business.
Reporting to the Operations Director (Support Services), you'll provide strategic leadership for workforce planning, labour productivity, workforce analytics and payroll governance across a complex operational portfolio. Working closely with senior leaders across Operations, HR, Finance and Transformation, you'll ensure our workforce capability supports operational excellence, contractual performance and long-term business growth.
This is an opportunity to influence business decisions at executive level while leading transformational programmes that improve workforce effectiveness, governance and employee experience.
What you'll be doing
- Develop and deliver the workforce management strategy across the Justice & Immigration Business Unit.
- Lead long-term workforce planning aligned to operational demand, contract requirements and future business growth.
- Drive workforce optimisation, labour productivity and resource planning initiatives that improve operational performance.
- Build workforce forecasting, scenario planning and workforce analytics capabilities that support strategic decision making.
- Own the Business Unit's payroll governance framework, ensuring robust controls, compliance and service performance.
- Provide executive oversight of payroll governance, assurance, risk and continuous improvement.
- Lead workforce transformation programmes, identifying opportunities to simplify, standardise and automate workforce and payroll processes.
- Develop the strategic roadmap for workforce systems, data and digital capability.
- Use workforce intelligence and performance insight to influence executive decision making and financial planning.
- Establish governance frameworks, performance measures and assurance processes across workforce management and payroll.
- Build strong partnerships across Operations, HR, Finance, Payroll and Transformation teams to deliver sustainable business improvements.
What you'll bring
- Significant experience leading workforce strategy, workforce planning or workforce management functions.
- A strong track record of delivering workforce transformation, productivity improvement and organisational change.
- Experience developing governance and assurance frameworks within operational environments.
- Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of labour productivity, workforce economics and financial performance.
- Experience using workforce analytics and data to influence senior business decisions.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence executive leaders.
- Experience leading cross-functional programmes across Operations, HR, Finance and Transformation.
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience. Relevant Workforce Management, HR, Payroll or Operational Excellence qualifications would be advantageous.
Why Serco?
At Serco, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping deliver services that improve the lives of millions of people every day.
We offer:
- Competitive salary
- Company car or cash allowance
- Bonus opportunity
- Private healthcare
- Pension and life assurance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working where appropriate
- A range of employee wellbeing and development programmes
About Serco
Serco delivers essential services across Defence, Justice & Immigration, Transport, Health and Citizen Services. Every day, our colleagues support governments and organisations to deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve. Join us and help shape the future of workforce strategy within one of our most operationally diverse business units.
A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Planning and Analysis - Performance Management in Birmingham employer: Serco Group
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and professional development. As an Able Seafarer (Crane Operations Lead), you will benefit from competitive salaries, a generous pension scheme, and access to over 1,100 internal courses for continuous learning and career progression. Our commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, alongside unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in public services, makes Serco a rewarding place to build your maritime career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning and Analysis - Performance Management in Birmingham
✨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 Serco Group!
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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 Serco Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Analysis - Performance Management in Birmingham
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 Serco Group. 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 Serco Group 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 Serco Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Serco Group'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 Serco Group
✨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 Serco Group.
✨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 Serco Group 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.
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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 Serco Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
