Director of Human Resources

Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation. As one of the largest, youngest, most diverse, and enterprising districts in the country, we are building a modern, responsive Council that truly serves its communities. With major regeneration projects underway, including the Southern Gateway, city centre transformation, and improved transport connections, Bradford is a place where leadership makes a real and lasting difference. Our journey is well underway, and now we are looking for a Director of HR and Organisational Development to help shape the future of our workforce and culture.

About the role
You will be operating on a stage few councils can offer. Bradford’s scale, diversity, and ambition make it one of the most high-profile local authorities in the country. Success here will elevate your visibility across local government and beyond, positioning you as a nationally recognised leader. You will get the opportunity to make a tangible difference, working alongside senior leaders, elected members, and trade unions to ensure HR contributes strategically to the Council’s priorities and transformation programmes. You will have the full backing of our Chief Executive, who is a passionate advocate for people, culture, and workforce best practice, and you will work as a close and trusted partner with the senior leadership team to embed our values across the organisation.

As for the HR service, you will join a team that is already on an exciting journey. HR has strengthened workforce insights, embedded improvement initiatives, and developed new ways of supporting managers and employees. You will build on this momentum, shaping the people agenda and leading a refreshed strategy that drives cultural change, builds organisational capability, and ensures the workforce is equipped to deliver the Council’s ambitions.

What we’re looking for
We are looking for a senior, values-driven HR leader operating at a similar level in a complex public sector organisation, with deep expertise in strategic HR and employment matters. You will inspire, empower, and energise the team, embedding Bradford District’s new values of being Brilliant, Bold, and Balanced throughout the organisation. You will champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, shaping a culture where people feel supported, engaged, and able to thrive. This is a high-impact role, offering the chance to influence the council’s people strategy at the highest level, tackling complex HR and employment challenges while helping to build a workforce equipped to deliver the ambitious vision of a dynamic, forward-thinking council.

This is a role that offers influence, challenge, and reward at a pivotal moment for Bradford. Are you brilliant, bringing fresh ideas and inspiring excellence in the teams you lead? Are you bold, confidently leading change and taking ownership of outcomes? Are you balanced, working collaboratively and making decisions that deliver real results for communities? If this resonates with you, this is your chance to shape the future of HR in Bradford and leave a lasting legacy in a district full of energy, potential, and pride.

You’ll use your deep understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in one of the most diverse parts of the country. Above all, you'll be someone who delivers on promises, is straightforward, action-oriented, and focused on making a real difference in a place that matters, where your impact will be felt by every resident of Bradford District.

If you're excited by the opportunity to help build an outstanding Council in a district with extraordinary potential, we want to hear from you.

How to apply
For further information and to apply, visit www.bradfordontherise.co.uk or contact:

• Chantelle Wooldridge 07557018320
• Clare Connor 0161 408 0703.

The closing date for applications is midnight 21st September 2025

Recruitment Timetable

• Closing date: 21st September 2025
• Longlist meeting (no candidate involvement): 25th September 2025
• Technical Interviews (Virtual): w.c 29th September 2025
• Shortlist meeting (no candidate involvement): 9th October 2025
• Final Interview Panel (in person): 27th October 2025

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact rebecca.keen@tile-hill.co.uk

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.