Interim Head of HR Transformation

Starfish Search is supporting a Local Authority in the North of England to appoint an Interim Head of HR Transformation.

This role will lead the delivery of a significant HR and workforce transformation programme, while ensuring that core HR services continue to operate effectively. Working closely with the HR Director and senior stakeholders, you will oversee HR operations alongside the design and implementation of a focused, practical transformation plan aligned to corporate priorities.

• Lead the council’s HR transformation agenda, driving improvements in structure, capability, systems and ways of working.
• Oversee HR operations and business-as-usual activity, ensuring continuity, quality and compliance throughout the transformation period.
• Deliver organisational design, workforce and change programmes that support efficiency, value for money and improved outcomes.
• Provide strong leadership on employee relations and trade union engagement, managing complex change with credibility and confidence.
• Strengthen people governance, data and HR systems, supporting the effective use of modern HR technology.

• A strong track record of leading HR transformation at a senior level within a local authority or similarly complex public sector environment.
• Significant experience overseeing HR operations alongside change and improvement programmes.
• Well-developed employee relations expertise, including effective partnership working with recognised trade unions.
• The credibility and confidence to operate in politically sensitive contexts and influence at senior and executive level.
• A pragmatic, delivery-focused leadership style, with a clear commitment to public service values.

Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually.