Head of People

Salary:  £73,783 - £82,864

Hours: 37 Hours

Contract: Permanent

Location - York/Northallerton Hybrid Working   

 

The Organisation

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

 

The Opportunity

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking to appoint its first Head of People to lead our people function during an exciting period of organisational growth and development.

Reporting to the Director of People and Transformation, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across People Services, ensuring we attract, develop, motivate and retain a high-performing workforce capable of delivering our ambitious priorities for the region.

 

As a key member of the People and Transformation Leadership Team, you will lead the delivery of the organisation's People Strategy, champion organisational development and culture, and provide expert advice to senior leaders on workforce planning, employee relations, leadership development and organisational change.

 

This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future of a relatively new organisation, influence strategic decision-making and build an inclusive, values-led culture that supports excellence in public service.

 

 

What you will bring

·       Significant senior management experience within a large, complex organisation.

·       A successful track record of delivering strategic people, organisational development or workforce transformation initiatives.

·       Experience of leading HR and/or leadership support services within a complex environment.

·       Strong knowledge of employment law, workforce planning, organisational development and change management.

·       Experience of building productive relationships with a wide range of senior stakeholders, partners and external organisations.

·       Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.

·       The ability to operate strategically whilst maintaining a focus on operational excellence and service improvement.

·       Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams.

·       A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and creating a positive organisational culture.

·       A degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline together with a management qualification.

 

You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us include:

·       Generous leave entitlement, starting at 28 days plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rota for part time staff)

·       Flexible working practices including working from other locations and from home

·       Local government pension scheme

·       Commitment to staff development and continuous learning

 

To find out more about our organisation please visit; https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk

 

Key Documents:

Job description.pdf
 

Contact and Apply 

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Sara Jeffs, Sara.Jeffs@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk for an informal conversation.

Applying is easy, simply register your details, tell us how you meet our criteria in the supporting evidence section, remove your personal details from your CV and upload.

 

Key Dates:

Closing date: 29th September

Interview date: 12th October

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.

Head of People
Salary: £73,783 - £82,864
Posted: 15/09/2026
Closing date: 29/09/2026
Closing time: 23:59 (BST)