Head of People
Join West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service as Head of People – Make a Real Difference to Our Service and Our Communities
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of the UK’s leading fire and rescue services, playing a vital role in making West Yorkshire safer. At West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), we believe everyone has a part to play, and we are looking for a dynamic and compassionate leader to join our team.
As Head of People, you’ll be at the heart of our service, helping to drive the success of over 1,450 dedicated colleagues who work tirelessly to help people and save lives. This role offers the unique job satisfaction of knowing that your leadership is directly contributing to the safety and wellbeing of the people of West Yorkshire.
What You’ll Do:
Reporting to the Director of People and Culture, you’ll lead the People function, ensuring that all people-related matters across the employee lifecycle are managed effectively. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing people strategies and policies that align with our service objectives
- Overseeing recruitment, performance management, employee relations, grievance and discipline processes, and sickness absence management
- Delivering expert HR support, ensuring we have a highly skilled and engaged workforce
- Creating a culture that puts people at the centre of decision-making, helping our colleagues thrive and succeed
This is a senior leadership role where you’ll work closely with senior management to influence and shape organisational culture, advance employee experience and drive continuous improvement.
What We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a compassionate, value-based leader with a proven track record of managing change and driving high-quality people services. You will bring:
- Extensive experience in HR management, including HR operating model design, employee relations, performance management, and cultural change
- A strong business partnering approach and the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation
- Resilience under pressure, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, respond with agility and adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment
- A commitment to evidence-based practice and a passion for employee engagement
- CIPD qualification and a thorough understanding of current HR best practices and employment law
What We Offer:
In return for your expertise and dedication, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
- A Local Government Pension Scheme
- Car salary sacrifice scheme
- Free parking and access to an on-site gym
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee assistance programme
- Training, development opportunities, and sports and social clubs
At WYFRS, we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive culture, and we’re looking for someone who will lead by example, embrace our values, and champion continuous learning.
If you are passionate about people, evidence-based practice and would like to make a meaningful impact on our Service, we want to hear from you!
Please contact Sonia Pawson, Director of People and Culture for an informal conversation on 07813 727030, or email sonia.pawson@westyorksfire.gov.uk.
For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers
Closing date for all applications is Sunday 2 March 2025.
Click here for Job Description
Click here for Guidance Document
Click here for Additional Guidance for our new E-recruitment System
All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.
If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form.
Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, the only way to apply for this vacancy is to visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers/ and complete the application form via our online Access vacancy system.
We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.
WYFRS is a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer and have been rated ‘good’ by HMICFRS in all areas of our service.
