Person Specification

Experience and Qualifications

  • Extensive experience of operating at a senior management level within a large, complex, unionised environment.
  • Organisational development expertise with a proven track record of having successfully delivered major organisational change projects
  • Proven track record of having managed and developed a pro-active and business-focused HR/OD service which delivered value-for-money services which were fit-for-purpose
  • Evidence of having devised and managed HR/OD solutions that resulted in improvements to service users
  • Evidence of successfully leading and motivating staff
  • Proven track record of translating strategic objectives into clear and realistic operational plans which engage managers, staff and other stakeholders
  • Experience of delivering HR transformation, OD programmes and contributing to the wider corporate agenda as an active member of the senior executive team with the accompanying demands and responsibilities
  • Evidence of effective financial management, including prioritising and targeting of resources to meet service delivery targets. Results orientated approach which provides quality services in a cost-effective way
  • A successful track record of championing diversity and developing effective staffing and community engagement strategies.
  • Evidence of having operated within a unionised environment, delivering a constructive employee relations climate and having successfully negotiated outcomes to deliver for the business
  • CIPD qualified or equivalent relevant experience, including evidence of continuing professional development

Key skills and behaviours

The Council’s expectations around the skills and behaviours of managers are set out in the accompanying Management Standards. The following aspects are of primary importance:

  • Real understanding of organisational development, change management and people management philosophy and techniques • Ability to work with a wide range of service professionals and to create solutions which help achieve organisational and service goals
  • Ability to challenge Management Board, Councillors and others in a constructive manner in order to create business improvement
  • Ability to work under pressure and at pace, prioritising work against competing and changing demands to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to lead and manage high quality, responsive and cost effective services, both directly and through partnerships where appropriate.
  • Evidence of setting high standard of personal integrity, acting as a role model for HR excellence and corporate leadership
  • Ability to negotiate with, and influence, a wide range of stakeholders effectively
  • Innovative and creative thinker capable of translating ideas into policy and practice