At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR transformation and shape organisational culture for a globally significant institution.
- Company: City of London Corporation, a unique governance model impacting local and global priorities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, and the chance to influence a diverse workforce.
- Other info: Commitment to equity, diversity, and social mobility is essential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people and culture in a prestigious organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience at executive HR level with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The City of London Corporation is seeking an exceptional Chief People Officer to lead its people, culture and organisational transformation at a defining moment for the organisation. Operating at the intersection of local government, national priorities and global economic influence, the Corporation delivers across a broad portfolio spanning local government, policing, education, culture, green spaces, charitable institutions and global business – within one of the most distinctive governance models in the world.
Reporting to the Town Clerk and Chief Executive, and as a full member of the Executive Leadership Board, this role holds enterprise-wide responsibility for shaping leadership capability, workforce strategy and organisational culture across a highly diverse workforce of more than 4,500 colleagues. The role sits at the centre of a significant organisation-wide transformation, with the People Strategy 2024 – 2029 acting as a core enabler of the Corporation’s wider Corporate Plan. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating this strategic ambition into organisational capability – embedding a more cohesive, high-performing and inclusive ‘one Corporation’, and ensuring the leadership, culture and workforce are aligned to deliver long-term outcomes.
This is a role of significant strategic influence and requiring close and credible engagement with elected Members, senior officers and recognised Trade Unions. Given the significance of the role and the importance of visible leadership, this position is expected to be predominantly office-based (c. four - five days per week).
Role and Responsibilities
- Lead the People and HR function as a centre of professional excellence, spanning organisational design, workforce strategy, employee relations, reward, learning and development, talent management and people operations.
- Lead and embed delivery of the People Strategy 2024–2029 as a transformation programme, translating strategic priorities into measurable, organisation-wide impact.
- Lead the delivery of the Corporation's new Career Framework (Ambition 25) establishing clear career pathways and job families that support progression, underpinned by fair, transparent and consistent approaches to pay and grading.
- Establish and embed organisation-wide standards for leadership capability, performance management and talent development, strengthening accountability and alignment to corporate priorities.
- Provide senior oversight of employee and industrial relations, including constructive engagement with recognised Trade Unions within a complex and highly unionised environment.
- Drive the transformation of people data and technology through the embedding of SAP SuccessFactors, enabling integrated workforce planning and real time insight while championing the responsible use of AI to enhance organisational performance and employee experience.
- Ensure people policies and practices are legally compliant, aligned to EDI principles, and genuinely usable and effective for leaders and employees alike.
Skills and Experience
- Proven track record at Executive HR Director or Chief People Officer level, with accountability for enterprise-wide people strategy and delivery at board level.
- A career defined by sustained impact and credibility, including the delivery of complex, long-term organisational and cultural change.
- Deep experience operating in highly matrixed, complex organisations where influence, rather than authority, is the primary lever.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility at the most senior levels.
- Demonstrable experience engaging with elected members, committees, Trade Unions and diverse employee groups within formal governance environments.
- Strong political and organisational acuity, with the judgement to navigate the unique constitutional landscape of the City of London Corporation.
Commitment to Equality, Inclusion and Social Mobility
The City of London Corporation is deeply committed to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion, both as an employer and as a civic institution. This role will play a central part in embedding inclusive, values-led leadership and creating environments in which people from all backgrounds can thrive. A particular priority for the Corporation is social mobility. We are committed to widening access to opportunity, reducing barriers to progression and ensuring that talent is recognised and developed regardless of background. Candidates should share this commitment and bring experience of driving fair, inclusive and socially responsible people practices at scale.
We are seeking a senior people leader with the judgement to navigate complexity, the credibility to lead through influence, and the ambition to help build a truly world-class organisation. This is a rare opportunity to lead the people and cultural transformation of a globally significant institution – shaping its future capability, leadership and impact.
Key Dates
- Application Closing date: 14/06/26
- Technical interviews: w/c 22/06/26
- Online psychometrics issued: w/c 13/07/2026
- Assessment Day: 20/07/2026 (in person at the Guildhall)
- Final Interview: 21/07/2026 (in person at the Guildhall)
Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer employer: The City Of London
The City of London Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative people and cultural initiatives within a globally significant institution. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits. Located in the heart of London, this role provides a chance to influence a diverse workforce while engaging with key stakeholders in a dynamic governance environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience with local government or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the City of London Corporation's recent initiatives and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in their organisational culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led people strategies or cultural transformations in the past. We want to hear about your impact and how you can bring that to this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading HR transformations and engaging with diverse stakeholders. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Chief People Officer!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the measurable outcomes you've achieved. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive organisational change and enhance workplace culture – this is key for us!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are as a leader. Share your passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion, as these are central to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our official website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and can process your application smoothly. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The City Of London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the City of London Corporation's People Strategy 2024-2029. Familiarise yourself with their organisational culture and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you demonstrate your strategic vision during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in complex environments. Think about examples where you've successfully influenced change and built trust among diverse stakeholders, including elected members and trade unions. This will highlight your credibility and ability to lead through influence.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Diversity
Given the Corporation's commitment to equity and inclusion, be ready to share your experiences in driving fair and inclusive people practices. Discuss specific initiatives you've led that support social mobility and how you can contribute to creating an environment where everyone thrives.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Anticipate questions about real-life scenarios you might face in this role. Prepare to discuss how you'd handle employee relations in a unionised environment or implement new technology like SAP SuccessFactors. This will show your practical understanding of the challenges and your readiness to tackle them.
