Head of HR ; maternity cover

Head of HR Change (fixed term maternity cover)

Final date to receive applications: 12 July 2026

Department: People Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Julie Hall

Compensation: £68,077 - £73,366 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)
• Contract: Fixed term (approximately 12 months depending on start date)
• Salary: Grade 14 - £68,077 - £73,366
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Overview of role: This fixed-term maternity cover role provides continuity during a significant period of organisational transformation. The Head of HR Change will lead complex, organisation-wide change programmes, ensuring the people strategy aligns with broader transformation ambitions and delivers a positive employee experience.

The senior leadership position involves shaping and delivering organisation-wide change and transformation activities. The incumbent will work closely with executive leaders to design and implement people-focused solutions that support growth, transformation, and future workforce needs.

• Lead the design and delivery of complex organisational change and transformation programmes.
• Provide strategic advice and support to senior leaders on people-related change.
• Oversee workforce planning, organisational design, and resourcing aligned to future needs.
• Lead TUPE activity and provide oversight of employment law considerations across change programmes.
• Use workforce insights and feedback to monitor and improve the effectiveness of change initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including trade unions, to support engagement and delivery.
• Contribute to wider People Services priorities and deputise for the Director of HR & OD when required.

You will be a strategic and credible HR leader with a strong track record of delivering complex change within a large organisation.

• Significant experience leading organisational change and transformation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, particularly in relation to change and TUPE.
• Experience of workforce planning and organisational design.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior level.
• The ability to lead, develop and inspire high-performing teams.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with strong professional integrity.

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we encourage employees to take advantage of active travel facilities. Work/life balance is important, with recognised family/friendly policies and genuine work flexibility.

• Holiday Entitlement – 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to normal leave.
• Hybrid working – a hybrid model with most roles offering on‑site core days; remote contracts are not accommodated unless specified.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – flexibility for office‑based employees to accrue credit or debit of working hours, including Flexi‑Leave.
• Rewarding You – discount benefits, wellbeing solutions, Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
• Training on the job – support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – reimbursement where applicable following approval by line management.

Our workforce is a diverse community, where we all belong. We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion or belief. All employees are eligible for flexible working arrangements from day one.

Where candidates have disabilities, if they meet all essential criteria from the role profile, they will be automatically invited to interview. Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the process.