Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer in Slough

Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer in Slough

Slough Full-Time No home office possible
Tucker Stone

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: Join a commitment to equity, diversity, and social mobility in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on people and culture in a prestigious organisation.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive HR Director or Chief People Officer.

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.

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)
To Apply

YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT AN UP TO DATE CV AND PERSONAL STATEMENT WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS ROLE. Only applications that are accompanied with BOTH A CV & PERSONAL STATEMENT will be considered.

Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer in Slough employer: Tucker Stone

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 platform for impactful leadership and engagement with a diverse workforce, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Tucker Stone

Contact Detail:

Tucker Stone Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer in Slough

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the City of London Corporation. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the City of London Corporation’s values and recent initiatives. Think about how your experience aligns with their People Strategy 2024-2029. Practise answering common executive-level questions and be ready to discuss how you can drive their organisational transformation.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led change in previous roles. Highlight your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex environments. This will demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a role that requires significant strategic influence.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your CV and personal statement are tailored to the role, showcasing your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which is super important for the City of London Corporation.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer in Slough

Leadership Capability
Workforce Strategy
Organisational Design
Employee Relations
Talent Management
People Operations
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience and achievements that align with the role of Executive Director of HR & Chief People Officer. Keep it clear, concise, and tailored to showcase how you can lead people and culture transformation.

Personal Statement Matters:Don’t underestimate the power of a personal statement! Use this space to express your passion for the role and the City of London Corporation. Share your vision for people strategy and how your values align with their commitment to equity and inclusion.

Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Be genuine in your application and let your personality shine through. This role requires exceptional communication skills, so show us how you engage and build trust with diverse stakeholders in your writing.

Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Remember, we need both your CV and personal statement to consider your application, so double-check before hitting submit!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tucker Stone

Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into the City of London Corporation's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their People Strategy 2024-2029 will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Strategic Impact

Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led organisational change or cultural transformation. Highlight measurable outcomes to demonstrate your impact at an executive level.

Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you would engage with elected members, senior officers, and Trade Unions. Be ready to share your approach to building trust and credibility in complex environments, as this is crucial for the role.

Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion

Given the Corporation's focus on equity and diversity, be prepared to discuss your experience in promoting inclusive practices. Share how you've driven social mobility and created environments where diverse talent can thrive.