At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and workforce innovation for a dynamic council.
- Company: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, known for high-quality public services.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, wellbeing initiatives, staff discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of workforce services and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in HR and workforce services required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 66000 £ per year.
- Assistant Director – HR & Workforce Strategy
- Permanent | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Ready to shape the future of workforce leadership in an ambitious council?
At Solihull Council, we're proud of our reputation for delivering high-quality public services while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, improvement, and value.
As we continue our organisational transformation journey, we are investing in how we support, develop, and enable our workforce to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
This is a rare opportunity to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Director – HR & Workforce Strategy, leading a broad portfolio of HR and workforce functions that support over 5,500 employees across the Council, Solihull Community Housing and our schools and academies.
This is far more than a traditional HR leadership role.
We are looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking leader who can help shape the future of workforce services, champion modern approaches and technology and build organisational capability to support the Council's long-term ambitions.
- Why this role matters
- Lead and influence workforce strategy at the heart of a high-performing organisation.
- Act as the Council's principal adviser on workforce, employment, and organisational matters.
- Shape the future direction of HR services, ensuring they remain modern, responsive, and aligned to organisational priorities.
- Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and the adoption of new ways of working.
- Support the organisation through significant strategic change, helping to build a resilient and future-ready workforce.
- Work closely with Members, Corporate Leadership Team colleagues, trade unions, and external partners to deliver meaningful outcomes.
- What you’ll bring
- Significant senior leadership experience across complex HR and workforce services
- A strong track record of leading organisational change, improvement, and transformation
- Strategic thinking combined with the ability to turn vision into practical delivery.
- Experience of operating effectively within politically sensitive and unionised environments
- Excellent influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- A commitment to developing high-performing teams and creating positive organisational cultures.
- Curiosity, innovation, and a passion for exploring new opportunities to enhance service effectiveness and workforce outcomes.
- Why Solihull
- We are a forward-thinking council with a clear transformation vision.
- A clear commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and modern public service delivery
- An ambitious workforce agenda with opportunities to shape future ways of working.
- A collaborative and supportive corporate leadership environment
- The chance to make a lasting impact across the organisation and the communities we serve.
- This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced workforce leader who wants to combine strategic influence, organisational impact and innovation in a role that will help shape the future direction of this ambitious council.
Working for Solihull means that we can also offer employees a great working environment, together with a range of flexible working options, an extensive wellbeing offer, as well as attractive staff benefits including staff discounts and access to the Local Government pension scheme.
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date
Monday, 31 August 2026 .
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete online testing between 3 and 6 September 2026, with successful candidates invited to interview on Monday, 14 September 2026 at the Council House, Solihull.
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Assistant Director (HR and Workforce Strategy) employer: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the development of its staff. As a Child-Specific Teaching Assistant at Widney Junior School, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a child's life while benefiting from ongoing training and professional growth in a collaborative environment. Located in a vibrant community, this role provides unique advantages such as access to local resources and a strong network of educational professionals dedicated to inclusive education.
Contact Details:
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director (HR and Workforce Strategy)
✨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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council!
✨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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director (HR and Workforce Strategy)
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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council'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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
✨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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
✨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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
