Transform how we lead. Help shape who we become.
We are not standing still on our journey towards being an ‘Outstanding’ organisation; we are creating something new, and we are looking for someone exceptional to help us build it.
At Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, we’re proud of our people. They are deeply committed to public service, often in challenging circumstances and they deserve a workplace that reflects the same passion, purpose, and care that they bring to their communities.
That’s why we’ve created this brand-new role, Assistant Director, People and Culture, to lead a transformation of how we support, develop and empower our workforce. Sitting just below the Executive Team on our Strategic Leadership Team, and leading a talented group of Heads of Function, you’ll be our most senior HR and OD professional: a change agent, employee relations expert, strategic partner and visible champion of values-led leadership.
Keeping a clear eye on the horizon, you'll help us stay ahead of the curve. From workforce demographics and employee expectations to sector-wide shifts and policy changes, you'll identify and respond to future people challenges with ambition, inclusivity and resilience.
This is more than a traditional people leadership role. We’re looking for someone who can:
- Deliver workforce and cultural reform at scale with clarity, accountability and impact.
- Lead strategic people transformation with compassion and credibility.
- Inspire trust and high performance across a complex, safety-critical organisation.
- Provide expert leadership on employee relations, navigating complex issues with fairness, confidence, and a clear understanding of organisational risk.
- Build a modern, inclusive and proactive People and Culture portfolio that’s ready for the future.
If you’ve worked at a senior level in a complex environment, led diverse teams through change, and built inclusive cultures that empower people, we’d love to hear from you.
You don’t need fire service experience, but you do need good practical hands-on experience, the ability to lead boldly, listen deeply and think systemically.
In return, you’ll join a Service that is ready to evolve, with leadership that welcomes challenge and a workforce that cares deeply about what it does.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV with a covering letter, detailing why you are interested in the role and how you meet the criteria within the person specification.
A copy of the person specification and more information about the role is available in the applicant pack. To download the applicant pack please copy and paste this link into your browser - realworldhr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/HFRS-Assistant-Director-People-and-culture-Applicant-Pack-Final.pdf
For an informal discussion, please contact: Matt Sutcliffe, Assistant Chief Fire Officer on 01482 567 509 or [email protected]
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service have engaged RealWorldHR as a recruitment partner to manage and deliver this recruitment process on behalf of the Service.
Key Dates
- Closing date: midnight Monday 23 June 2025
- Assessment Centre: week commencing 28 July 2025
- Interviews: week commencing 28 July 2025
What we offer
We offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits, including:
- Generous employer contribution pension scheme
- Working from our HQ in Hull with flexible and occasional hybrid working
- Employee assistance programme
- Access to gym facilities
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
- Free private healthcare
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car salary sacrifice
Join us. Make your mark.
This is your opportunity to shape the culture of a vital public service, support people who make a difference every day and step into a role that could define the next stage of your career.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £75,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 23/06/2025
Reference ID: Assistant Director, People and Culture Humberside
