Head of HR Business Partnering

Lead strategic partnering in a complex organisation

Tower Hamlets is recruiting a Head of HR Business Partnering to lead a high‑performing HR partnering service that supports Corporate Directors, Directors and their leadership teams.

This is a senior leadership role with both breadth and depth, responsible for shaping how HR works across the organisation, not just delivering services.

What you’ll do

• Lead and develop a high-quality HR partnering function that delivers consistent, professional advice across all directorates
• Translate the People Strategy into real delivery and impact across services
• Ensure leaders are confident, capable and supported to manage people effectively
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders, elected Members and committees
• Lead workforce insight and reporting that enables better, data-led decisions
• Support complex organisational change with credible, pragmatic HR leadership

What we’re looking for

• Strong senior HR partnering leadership experience in a large, complex organisation
• Excellent understanding of employment practice and organisational change
• Ability to influence and challenge at Director and executive level
• A collaborative, outcome-focused leader who can work across boundaries

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary £84,459 to £92,332

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

Benefits

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.