Head of HR & OD

Surrey
£83,991 - £92,047 (plus annual pay award with effect from April 2026)

Closing Date - 10th March

Interview - Week Commencing 16th March(TBC)

We are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Runnymede Borough Council in the search for a new Head of HR & OD to lead the people agenda and drive meaningful cultural and organisational change.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with Elected Members, you'll play a pivotal role on the Senior Leadership Team-providing expert guidance, delivering corporate objectives, and championing the values across the organisation.
You will be managing a very strong and well respected HR team who are driven to provide the best HR service so if you have experience in leading and inspiring a team to deliver great results, this could be the role for you!

Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward thinking attitude and award winning departments. As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects. We continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.

From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey. West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities.

As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation. The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident focused council. It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together.

• Lead the existing HR & OD team to deliver the internal change programme
• Ensure the organisation is ready for the change (e.g. TUPE)
• Provide support to colleagues in Runnymede as they head towards LGR
• Provide support to the LGR programmes collective effort
• If approved, implement and sustain the pay and grading review
• Deliver on the Service Area Plan
• Provide strategic leadership across HR & OD, ensuring the council's people services enable organisational success
• Lead on workforce strategy, organisational development, and cultural transformation
• Oversee key areas including employee relations, policy, performance, learning & development, EDI, and well being
• Act as the organisation's expert on people change, fostering a positive, inclusive culture
• Ensure efficient, high quality HR service delivery, including managing external partnerships and driving value for money

• A proven senior HR leader with strong strategic and operational expertise within a local government setting
• Deep knowledge of employment law, organisational development, and change management
• A collaborative, values driven leader who can influence at the highest level
• A passion for creating inclusive workplaces and enhancing employee experience

Due to the changes ahead, we need someone who can hit the ground running and work with high levels of autonomy and initiative.
To be considered you need to have worked as the most senior HR person in an organisation (this could suit an HR Manager in a smaller district council for example) and demonstrate strong credibility when working with trade unions, peers in the SLT and Council Members.

This is a 15 months fixed term contract but they can also consider permanent.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact-shaping our workforce, culture, and future.

Ready to lead change? Apply today.