Job Description
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Introduction
Are you ready to shape the future of people leadership in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs? We’re looking for a strategic and inspiring HR leader to join us as Head of People & Business Partnering. If you thrive in complex environments, lead with purpose, and bring a passion for inclusive, high-impact people strategies—this is your moment.
We are looking for an experienced strategic HR leader with a strong track record of navigating complex stakeholder relationships in politically sensitive environments at senior executive level. You’ll bring deep, current insight into the challenges facing local authorities, and a proven ability to design and deliver people management solutions that meet these head-on.
What’s the role?
As Head of People & Business Partnering, you’ll lead, develop, and manage our HR business partnering function—driving a strategic, customer-focused service across the Council. Reporting to the Director of Law and Governance, you’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, shaping and delivering people strategies that drive transformation, performance, and engagement.
You’ll oversee workforce planning, organisational design, and change management initiatives, ensuring that HR practices are aligned with the Council’s vision and values. You’ll also lead on complex casework, and the development of departmental people plans—ensuring consistency, compliance, and excellence in service delivery.
What’s in it for you?
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, collaborative leader who builds strong relationships, influences at senior levels, and delivers results. You’ll be strategic, data-savvy, and able to lead through change while inspiring your team and championing inclusion.
You’ll bring:
A proven track record as a senior HR practitioner in complex settings.
Expertise in stakeholder management within political and executive environments.
A strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and collaborative leadership.
The credibility and insight to lead with influence and impact.
If you're ready to shape how we support, develop, and empower our people—we’d love to hear from you.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.
Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Jeremy Chambers,
[email protected]Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification
Salary
£77,157 to £83,448 per annum (SMG3)
N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email
[email protected] and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
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