Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

12 Months Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity.

At Hackney Council, we're proud of our progressive approach and our unwavering commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. As the Head of HR & OD for the Workforce Transformation Programme, you’ll be at the heart of one of the most ambitious organisational change agendas in local government. Reporting to the Director of HR & OD, this is your opportunity to lead a high impact team and shape a workforce that reflects the borough we serve, dynamic, forward-thinking, and inclusive.

You’ll lead on delivering our corporate workforce transformation programme, working collaboratively across all Directorates to embed new ways of working and support cultural change. From organisational design to employee relations, policy development and staff engagement, you’ll drive initiatives that improve outcomes for residents and empower our people to thrive. This is a politically restricted post, requiring a high level of credibility, resilience, and a strategic mindset.

This role is about more than HR operations; it’s about inspiring real change. You’ll lead on workforce transformation, embed new ways of working, and drive cultural shifts that empower staff across the Council. With a clear focus on delivering high quality, inclusive HR and OD services, you’ll ensure our people are equipped to meet the Mayor’s key priorities: a fairer, safer Hackney; a greener, healthier Hackney; and every child supported to thrive.

We're looking for a transformative leader with a strong HR and OD background, experience of complex workforce change, and a deep understanding of the local government context. You’ll be someone who can inspire confidence at all levels, build strong relationships with trade unions and senior stakeholders, and lead your team to deliver against high expectations. MCIPD qualified (or equivalent by experience), you’ll bring integrity, clarity and a solution-focused approach to everything you do.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values, so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency-based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2025 (22:59).

Interview date: 26 September 2025.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: [email protected]