Head of Human Resources

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council are looking to recruit a Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development to join our team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £62,276 - £75,619 per annum.

Full time, 37 hours per week

At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we have an exciting opportunity for a senior HR leader to join us on the cusp of a significant transformation, where your expertise will directly shape the future of our communities, economy, and environment.

We are proud of the progress that we have achieved across our districts, serving 190,000 residents and driving ambitious initiatives that enhance homes, support vibrant communities, boost the local economy, protect our environment, and keep our districts thriving.

Our joint strategic plan is already fostering exciting cross-organisational work and an evolving culture. As we embark on a period of unprecedented change, including pivotal work around local government reorganisation and devolution, we recognise that exceptional leadership, particularly in our people strategy, is paramount.

We are seeking a forward thinking and results-driven Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development (HR and OD) to lead our People function into the future.

This key role will be instrumental in:

• Evolving our People Strategy to meet the current and future needs of our organisation, ensuring we have the agility to respond to our changing environment and meet our commitments to our local communities.
• Continuing to develop our positive culture with a dynamic and adaptive approach that embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Leading key change programmes ensuring smooth transitions, effective communication, and robust support for our people.
• Empowering our workforce by providing expert leadership, coaching, and support to our HR, OD, and Learning and Development teams, enabling them to effectively partner with staff and managers.
• Championing employee engagement by working with our leaders to develop strategies to maintain high levels of engagement and resilience as our organisation evolves.

We are looking for an HR and OD leader with a demonstrable track record of successfully navigating and leading large-scale organisational change whilst gaining the confidence of senior stakeholders and employees alike.

Your expertise will include:

• Proven Experience in Strategic HR and OD Leadership: A strong background in developing and implementing progressive people strategies that underpin organisational transformation.
• Change management expertise: A deep understanding of change processes and a hands-on approach to managing the people aspects of significant structural and cultural shifts, such as those anticipated with local government reorganisation.
• Building effective partnerships: The ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders, challenging perspectives constructively and driving consensus to achieve strategic HR/OD outcomes.
• Developing teams to perform at their best: Experience in leading, coaching, and developing HR, OD, and L and D professionals to excel in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Organisational design and development: A strong track record of championing development and designing teams and structures that are fit for the future.
• A Solid Foundation in Employment Law: Current and comprehensive understanding to provide sound advice and ensure compliance during periods of change.

At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we have embraced a genuine flexible working strategy and believe that work is something you do, not somewhere you go.

This role will be based at our head office in Endeavour House, Ipswich however we encourage our teams to work remotely, from home or at our office base.

In addition to this we offer an extensive range of benefits from a generous pension scheme, salary sacrifice EV and cycle schemes through to a range of incentives to support your wellbeing and personal development.

Closing Date: 11.59pm, 28 July 2025.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development role, even if you don t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.