Lambeth Council
Director of Human Resources & Organisational Development
Salary Up to £134,054
Lambeth Council is seeking an exceptional leader to shape and drive the future of our workforce in one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. This is a pivotal position, providing strategic leadership of our Human Resources and Organisational Development function and supporting the delivery of our ambitious Lambeth 2030 Borough Plan.
Reporting directly to the Corporate Director for Communities, Governance and Change, with a dotted line to the Chief Executive as Head of Paid Service, you will play a critical position in enabling a positive and inclusive culture across the organisation. You will ensure that our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and that every employee has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
Your remit will be broad, encompassing strategic workforce planning, embedding equity and justice within the organisation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. You will ensure Lambeth Council is an outstanding employer that prioritises collaboration, engagement, and innovation. Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, you will champion transformation, empower staff, and ensure our values underpin everything we do.
In this position, you will also lead on developing and maintaining strong and productive relationships with our trade unions, managing employee relations effectively, and ensuring compliance with employment law. Your ability to navigate complex environments and deliver innovative HR solutions will be critical to managing risk and driving positive outcomes.
As part of the council’s senior leadership team, you will provide high-quality workforce insights and data to inform strategic decision-making and interventions. Your leadership will enable the development of robust talent management strategies and ensure the right people are in the right roles at the right time, delivering exceptional services to our residents.
Your leadership style will embody collaboration and inclusivity. You will manage and develop a high-performing HR&OD team, ensuring they are equipped to deliver excellence. By leading by example, you will inspire a culture of accountability, high performance, and engagement across the council.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leading HR&OD functions in large, complex, and unionised organisations. You will bring a deep understanding of employment law and employee relations, alongside experience in delivering transformational change and equity initiatives. You will be an experienced leader, able to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation and beyond, and committed to promoting fairness, innovation, and excellence in everything you do.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on Lambeth Council and the communities we serve. If you are passionate about creating a thriving workforce and shaping a progressive and inclusive organisational culture, we would love to hear from you.
For further information and to apply, please visit our microsite by clicking Apply and contact our search partners, Ben Parsonage ( ben.parsonage@gatenbysanderson.com ) or Becky Downs ( becky.downs@gatenbysanderson.com ) at Gatenby Sanderson.
Closing Date: Sunday 16 March