Head of Human Resources

Post title: Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development (HR and OD)
Post number: CS.69387
Salary: £73,908 - £85,884
Job description: CS.69387 - Head of HR and OD - Job Description (PDF, 229 KB)
Directorate/department: Corporate Services

Apply online now for post CS.69387

Closing date: 25 August 2025,11.45pm.

Further information

Lead Workforce Transformation in a Council That Puts People First

As Head of HR and OD, you'll lead a talented team delivering the full spectrum of HR and OD services—from strategic workforce planning and organisational development to recruitment, payroll, wellbeing, and workforce analytics. You'll also play a key role in shaping the Council's transformation agenda and ensuring our people are empowered, supported and equipped to deliver for our communities.

Why Swansea?

Swansea Council is a values-led organisation with a strong sense of purpose and a collaborative, inclusive culture. Our people are proud to be part of "Team Swansea"—a workforce that is motivated, compassionate and committed to making a difference.

We are known for:

• A positive, empowering workplace culture that values openness, teamwork and innovation
• Strong, respectful relationships between officers, elected members and partners
• A clear vision for the future, underpinned by ambitious transformation and a commitment to continuous improvement
• A focus on growing our own talent, with increasingly successful apprenticeship and development pathways

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and delivery of the Council's Workforce Strategy and HR/OD Service Plan
• Provide strategic advice to Cabinet Members, Directors, and senior leaders on all workforce matters
• Drive innovation and transformation through workforce planning, digital enablement, and cultural change
• Oversee all HR and OD operations, including employee relations, leadership development, recruitment, payroll, and wellbeing
• Represent Swansea regionally and nationally on workforce matters, influencing the wider public sector agenda
• Act as Senior Responsible Officer for the Workforce and OD Transformation Board

What You'll Bring

• A proven track record of senior HR leadership in a complex organisation
• Experience of leading cultural change and embedding high-performance values
• Strategic insight into workforce planning, organisational development and digital transformation
• Strong political acumen and the ability to influence at all levels
• Chartered CIPD membership (essential) and a commitment to continuous professional development

Our Commitment to You

We offer a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment, with hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing and development. You'll be part of a leadership team that values collaboration, integrity and innovation—and you'll help shape the future of a council that's proud to serve its communities.

Apply now and be part of something bigger.
For an informal discussion, please contact Ness Young, Director of Corporate Services at [email protected].

Safeguarding

Within Swansea Council there is a "Safeguarding is Everybody's Business" principle, and this applies to all Swansea Council employees, elected members, volunteers and contractors.

Further details can be found at https://www.swansea.gov.uk/corporatesafeguarding

Job applications may be submitted in Welsh. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Choose Language