Head of HR

Head of People and Organisational Development
Salary circa £70,000
Tyne and Wear

My client is seeking an experienced and strategic People leader to join their senior leadership team as Head of People & Organisational Development.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for delivering a forward-looking People strategy aligned to long-term corporate objectives. As the principal adviser on workforce, culture and organisational development, you will provide expert insight and constructive challenge at senior and Board level, ensuring People priorities are fully embedded in business planning, transformation and service delivery.

The Role

You will:

• Lead the implementation of a comprehensive People Strategy aligned to organisational goals and financial sustainability.

• Shape and drive the organisational development agenda, including culture change, leadership capability, talent management and succession planning.

• Embed workforce planning and modelling to ensure resilience and long-term sustainability.

• Provide strategic oversight of employee relations, fostering positive partnership working with Trade Unions and staff representatives.

• Ensure robust People governance, workforce risk management and regulatory compliance, providing assurance to senior leaders and the Board.

• Oversee the effective delivery of high-quality HR and OD services through a delegated leadership model, retaining overall strategic accountability.

• Lead and influence complex organisational change and transformation programmes.

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.

• Drive innovation, continuous improvement and data-led decision-making within the People function.

About You

You will be a Chartered MCIPD (or equivalent) senior People professional with substantial experience operating at executive or senior strategic level within a complex, regulated environment.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering People strategies aligned to corporate objectives.

• Extensive expertise across workforce planning, organisational development, employee relations and leadership development.

• Experience advising senior leaders and Boards on workforce risk, culture and organisational effectiveness.

• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and People governance frameworks.

• Proven ability to lead cultural and organisational change.

• Excellent influencing, analytical and decision-making skills, with the credibility to operate at senior level.

• A values-led, resilient and politically astute leadership style.

Chartered FCIPD status, a postgraduate qualification, and experience within the NHS, public sector or similarly regulated environment are desirable.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape organisational culture, strengthen leadership capability and ensure the workforce is equipped to deliver high-quality, sustainable services in a complex operating environment.