At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people strategy and culture for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days leave, free travel, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting projects await as we evolve our ways of working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a diverse workforce and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience in HR leadership required.
Salary: £79,876 per annum
Location: Leeds
Key Points:
- Permanent
- 37 hours pw
- Applications for part time / job share will be considered
- Closing date - 7 June 2026 at 23:55
We are seeking a strategic, proactive, motivational Head of People to lead our people, talent and culture agenda across the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. You will shape and drive our end-to-end people strategy, strengthening organisational performance, building future capability, and cultivating an inclusive, high-performing culture.
As Head of People, you will serve as a trusted advisor across the organisation, working closely with the senior leadership team. Alongside leading HR operations, your focus will be on strengthening organisational capability, driving change, developing leadership, and embedding our core values into everything we do. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to shape the future of the Combined Authority through excellent people leadership, enabling our large and diverse workforce to deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of West Yorkshire.
You will join us at a pivotal point in our journey, as we continue to develop our future ways of working and embed a culture of continuous improvement. We are looking for an innovative, confident people leader who can deliver at pace in a public-sector environment. As proud winners of the VERCIDA Disability Champion Award 2026 and the Gender Equality Champion Award 2025, we are committed to creating an outstanding employee experience and a workplace where everyone can thrive.
It is important that you demonstrate how your breadth of experience, knowledge and skills align with the role when applying. We have therefore created comprehensive guidance for candidates, and you are strongly urged to read this before completing your application form.
This post is subject to vetting clearance. Due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will be subject to relevant vetting checks at the appropriate level and any job offer will be conditional subject to successful vetting clearance. Applicants should be aware that it is not possible to make meaningful vetting enquiries in many jurisdictions outside the UK. Vetting clearance cannot therefore be granted if the applicant has not been resident in the UK for the relevant minimum period and comparable vetting enquiries cannot be made in jurisdictions where the individual has been residing.
The Role Reporting into the Assistant Director of People and Transformation, your key responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic leadership across all aspects of people management by:
- Setting direction and enabling the HR team to deliver a customer focused service
- Creating the conditions for a positive organisational culture
- Securing a future-ready talent pipeline
- Leading, supporting and empowering HR colleagues to develop and deliver:
- A suite of people related strategies, including the overarching People Strategy and key “anchor” strategies (e.g. resourcing, talent, leadership and employee engagement)
- Quality measures to ensure initiatives are impactful and aligned to organisational priorities
- Working collaboratively with senior leaders and key stakeholders to:
- Drive change and build an inclusive, high performing organisation
- Provide expert HR advice and challenge
- Champion diversity and inclusion
- Continuously evolve people strategies to attract, develop and retain the best talent
About You
- Strategic Workforce & Talent Planning - Experience in designing onboarding, leadership development, and workforce planning frameworks for a growing organisation. Demonstrated ability to align the people strategy with wider organisational goals and targets.
- Organisational Culture & Employee Experience - Expertise in implementing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives in a unionised environment alongside actionable employee engagement strategies. Previous experience of building, scaling, and measuring an inclusive, high-performance company culture. Demonstrable ability to build programmes of work that champion staff wellbeing and drive strong employee retention.
- Change Management & Leadership – Proven ability to lead employees smoothly through periods of growth, restructuring, or crisis. Confidence to coach senior leaders, challenge assumptions, and mediate complex organisational issues at the highest level.
- HR Operations, Technology & Compliance – A clear understanding of modern HR performance management programmes and the ability to evaluate and implement scalable tools to measure success and forecast needs. Strong working knowledge of public sector governance, employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Emotional Intelligence & Interpersonal Skills – Demonstrated the ability to build relationships across all departments and gain buy-in from various internal stakeholders. Sound judgment in handling sensitive employee relations and ethical grey areas.
- Qualifications and CPD - Completion of a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma, or an accredited Postgraduate Diploma / Master’s degree within HR, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements under the ‘About You’ section of the advert and criteria within the Role Profile.
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Sarah Milne.
Head of People in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises inclusivity and employee wellbeing. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working options, and a modern workspace just minutes from Leeds Train Station, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to impactful projects that shape the region's future. Join us in a role where your leadership can drive meaningful change and foster a high-performing organisational culture.
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly, especially their people strategy and culture. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven change and built inclusive cultures in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability as a strategic leader.
✨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, you’ll find all the resources you need to ace your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Guidance:Before diving into your application, make sure to check out the comprehensive guidance we've put together. It’s super helpful and will give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our people strategy and culture.
Show Your Passion for People Leadership:We’re on the lookout for someone who’s not just experienced but also genuinely passionate about people leadership. Share examples of how you've driven change and built inclusive cultures in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to make your application shine.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of Head of People. Understand the key responsibilities and how they align with your experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led people strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leadership, so be prepared to share your approach. Think about how you empower teams, drive change, and foster an inclusive culture. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your points and demonstrate your emotional intelligence.
✨Align with Their Values
The Combined Authority values diversity and inclusion, so make sure you highlight your experience in these areas. Discuss any initiatives you've led that championed EDI and how you can contribute to their ongoing commitment to creating a thriving workplace.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the organisation's future and culture. Ask about their current challenges in people management or how they envision the role evolving over time.
