Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse HR policies and projects to support a fair and inclusive workforce.
- Company: Southwark Council, committed to diversity and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, guaranteed interviews for diverse groups, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce strategy and help shape an inclusive council.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR project management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to tackling racial inequality and promoting diversity.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 51600 £ per year.
At Southwark we’ve set out a clear ambition through our 2030 vision to be a fair, green and more inclusive borough. To achieve this we rely on a workforce that is well supported, adaptable and equipped to deliver high-quality services for our residents. The HR Policy and Projects team enables this by leading the development and delivery of workforce policies and programmes that strengthen organisational capability and support change. The team focuses on turning strategic priorities into practical, effective people practices that improve consistency, compliance and the employee experience across the council.
Our service ensures quality, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism are embedded into policy design and implementation. Working in partnership with leaders, trade unions and staff networks, the team helps shape a transparent and values led approach to people management that supports a modern and inclusive council.
As the HR Programme Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of HR policies, projects and programmes that support the council’s workforce strategy and organisational priorities. The role is accountable for delivering across the full project lifecycle, ensuring initiatives are well planned, effectively governed and successfully embedded into business as usual.
Working closely with senior leaders, HR colleagues, trade unions and staff networks, you’ll lead engagement and consultation activity, chair working groups and oversee the delivery of briefings, training and engagement sessions. You’ll monitor progress, manage risks while delivering measurable outcomes.
Key responsibilities:- Lead the design, planning and delivery of HR policies, projects and programmes across the full lifecycle from initiation through to embedding into business as usual.
- Provide leadership and oversight to HR Project Officers, setting clear priorities, assuring quality and enabling effective delivery across multiple workstreams.
- Lead research, analysis and policy development activity, including quality impact assessments to inform evidence based decision making.
- Oversee engagement and consultation with key stakeholders, including trade unions and staff networks to support effective policy development and implementation.
- Monitor delivery, manage risks and ensure projects/programmes deliver agreed outcomes on time, within scope and budget.
We’re looking for an experienced HR professional with a strong track record of delivering complex HR policies, projects and programmes within a large organisation. You’ll bring the ability to translate strategic objectives into practical workforce solutions.
Key requirements:- Proven experience of delivering HR policies and workforce programmes through the full project lifecycle from inception and design through to implementation.
- Practical project management experience, ideally supported by formal training or qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2 or Agile), with the ability to manage scope, risks, resources and interdependencies.
- Applied knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, including experience of working within public sector or local government.
- Demonstrable experience of leading, coaching and managing staff to deliver policy or project outcomes, supporting capability, development and effective performance.
- Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, including experience of engaging and consulting with trade unions and a wide range of internal stakeholders.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview SchemeAs part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
- Are currently considered as a Southwark Council redeployee.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £54,360 - £61,686.
HR Programme Manager in London employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Programme Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Southwark Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Southwark's 2030 vision. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Show how your values align with theirs and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your project management skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully delivered HR policies and programmes in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Southwark Council. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Programme Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the HR Programme Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and how it relates to delivering HR policies and programmes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams and engaging with various stakeholders, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed projects and led teams in the past. We want to see your ability to inspire and guide others!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion: Given our commitment to diversity and inclusion, it's important to show how you've contributed to these values in your previous roles. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your understanding and advocacy for inclusive practices.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your HR Policies Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the latest HR policies and practices, especially those relevant to public sector organisations. Brush up on Southwark's 2030 vision and how it aligns with your role as an HR Programme Manager.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with project management methodologies like PRINCE2 or Agile. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects from inception to implementation, highlighting your ability to handle risks and deliver outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your communication and stakeholder management skills by preparing to discuss how you've engaged with trade unions and internal stakeholders in the past. Think of specific instances where your influence led to positive outcomes.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Given Southwark's commitment to diversity and anti-racism, be prepared to talk about how you've embedded these values in your previous roles. Share any initiatives you've led that promote inclusivity within the workplace.
