Strategic Lead People & OD – 12‑month FTC

About the role

This is a senior, 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity to lead People, Organisational Development and Employee Relations within a large public‑sector organisation undergoing a digital transformation. Reporting to the Head of Transformation, you will shape HR strategy, drive change and support senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead HR and OD activities across the transformation programme, including strategy development and implementation.
• Review and redesign contracts, job descriptions, person specifications and job banding.
• Apply best‑practice change management and OD techniques to drive continuous improvement.
• Influence senior leaders and work closely with union representatives in a complex, unionised environment.
• Design and deliver staff engagement, experience and retention initiatives.
• Oversee programme resourcing, onboarding, organisational redesign and workforce planning.
• Provide expert advice on fixed‑term contracts, internal moves and internal recruitment.

Required profile

• Proven senior HR/OD experience, preferably within the public sector.
• Strong background in change management and employee relations in a unionised setting.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead strategic initiatives.
• Experience delivering digital or AI‑enabled transformation programmes.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of £66,500‑£77,000 per annum.
• Opportunity to shape a high‑impact transformation programme.
• Collaborative, values‑driven culture focused on innovation and wellbeing.