Assistant Director, People

Assistant Director, People

Permanent, Full Time

Up to £104,843 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November (23:59)

Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in-person collaboration at our Chelmsford office, typically around 2 to 3 days per week dependent on business need

One of the most exciting leadership roles in local government.

Essex County Council is seeking a visionary and strategic Assistant Director, People to help shape the future of our organisation and the communities we serve. This is a rare opportunity to lead the delivery of a brand-new People and Organisation Development plan, driving improvements in core people practices that will benefit our employees, enhance organisational performance, and positively impact the residents of Essex.

About the Role

As Assistant Director, People, you’ll work closely with Executive Directors and senior leaders to deliver high-impact, innovative, and compliant people services. You’ll lead expert teams across:

• Business Partnering
• Reward and Recognition
• People Performance
• Employment Practice

You’ll be instrumental in developing and aligning people policies with strategic priorities, and embedding people solutions into the council’s planning framework, gaining organisational buy in to strategic workforce planning outcomes over the short and medium term This role demands confident leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence at the highest levels—corporate and political.

In February 2025 , Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about this here devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR ). This role will be fundamental in delivering this once in a lifetime governmental change, ensuring that our people and those from wider Greater Essex organisations are best equipped to navigate the change. Collaboration will be vital, as you work alongside colleagues and leaders both internally and externally to meet the high ambitions Greater Essex has for our future.

You’ll also:

• Represent the People function at key strategic meetings
• Lead the development of workforce planning methodologies
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation
• Deliver benchmarked performance targets
• Champion a collaborative, service-first culture

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced HR leader who brings:

• A degree-level qualification (RQF Level 6) or equivalent experience
• Chartered CIPD status (or equivalent) with deep expertise in Employee Relations, Reward, and People Analytics
• Deep subject matter expertise in managing the workforce implications of transformational change in complex, matrix management organisations
• Proven experience in leading HR performance, strategic planning, and programme delivery
• Excellent analytical skills and data governance knowledge, including statutory reporting
• Experience developing high-performing HR Business Partner teams and integrated specialist functions
• Ability to coordinate functional expertise to deliver cohesive, organisation-wide people solutions
• Senior leadership experience in matrix environments, advising corporate and political leaders
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills across all levels

Why Essex County Council?

At ECC, we’re committed to delivering the best outcomes for our communities. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, inclusion, and professional excellence. We offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• A strong focus on professional development
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits
• The opportunity to make a real impact at scale

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost.

Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex . With flexible working, excellent development opportunities, and the chance to work with a supportive team that’s passionate about what they do, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Ready to lead the future of people services and make a lasting difference?
Apply now and help shape a modern, high-performing council.

If you have a query on this role or require anything further, please email faye.robertson@essex.gov.uk 

Please note successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview at our County Hall offices week commencing the 24th November 2025.