Head of HR

Summary: The role of Interim Head of HR involves leading and delivering a high-performing HR function within a large local authority in Hillingdon. The successful candidate will be a senior HR leader with extensive public sector experience, responsible for driving strategic transformation and ensuring operational excellence across the employee life cycle. This position requires a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as effective stakeholder management. The contract is for an initial duration of three months at a rate of £700 per day, classified as inside IR35.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an HR strategy aligned to organisational goals.
• Lead, coach and motivate the HR team to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Drive organisational change and transformation programmes.
• Provide expert HR advice to the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams.
• Oversee recruitment, employee relations, L&D, and payroll operations.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all HR practices.
• Ensure HR policies, systems and processes support best practice and compliance.
• Manage the HR budget and external suppliers to ensure value for money.
• Build effective relationships with Trade Unions and employee representatives.

Key Skills:

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) with evidence of ongoing CPD.
• Significant senior HR experience, ideally at or above Head of Service level within a UK local authority.
• Proven record in leading transformation and culture change.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Commercially minded, data-driven and results-focused leader.

Salary (Rate): £700 per day

City: Hillingdon

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: HR

Detailed Description From Employer:

Head of HR (Interim)
Location: Hillingdon
Rate: £700 per day (Inside IR35)
Duration: 3 months (initial)

Essential: Previous local authority experience at Head of Service level.

Overview

We're seeking an experienced interim Head of HR to lead and deliver a high-performing HR function within a large local authority. This role requires a proven senior HR leader with extensive public sector experience, capable of driving strategic transformation, shaping the people agenda, and ensuring operational excellence across the full employee life cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an HR strategy aligned to organisational goals.

• Lead, coach and motivate the HR team to deliver high-quality outcomes.

• Drive organisational change and transformation programmes.

• Provide expert HR advice to the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams.

• Oversee recruitment, employee relations, L&D, and payroll operations.

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all HR practices.

• Ensure HR policies, systems and processes support best practice and compliance.

• Manage the HR budget and external suppliers to ensure value for money.

• Build effective relationships with Trade Unions and employee representatives.

About You

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) with evidence of ongoing CPD.

• Significant senior HR experience, ideally at or above Head of Service level within a UK local authority.

• Proven record in leading transformation and culture change.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.

• Commercially minded, data-driven and results-focused leader.