Overview

Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at West Midlands Combined Authority. As WMCA’s People and Culture function transitions to a Target Operating Model, People Business Partners will become central to embedding people strategy into planning, decision-making, and leadership practices. You’ll be a trusted advisor to senior leaders, ensuring that people priorities align with service goals and organisational values, supporting a strategic and inclusive approach to leadership across WMCA’s directorates.

Our appointment of the Chief People & Culture Officer strengthens leadership across the People & Culture function, shaping a seamless, values-led service that supports WMCA’s strategic objectives, annual business plans, and Mayoral priorities. The People BP will support how services are shaped and delivered, working in a matrix structure, while keeping people and culture at the heart of transformation and change.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic partner to senior leaders, embedding people priorities into planning, decision-making, and change programmes.
• Design and deliver people strategies that drive performance, inclusion, and organisational growth.
• Lead on complex employee relations, organisational change, and leadership development.
• Use workforce data and insight to influence decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Build trusted relationships to support confident, inclusive leadership across WMCA.
• Collaborate across People & Culture functions to deliver a seamless, values-led service.
• Champion fairness, wellbeing, and consistency in people practices.
• Contribute to strategic projects that support transformation and enable people to thrive.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a strategic HR or people partnering role within a complex organisation.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and shape people responses to business challenges.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional input from HR specialisms (e.g. ER, Reward, OD, Inclusion).
• Evidence of supporting organisational change processes.
• Experience using coaching to develop managers’ competence and confidence in people management issues.
• Strong understanding of employment law, people policy, and organisational change.
• Skilled in using people data and insight to inform decisions and drive improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Flexible, consultative, and solution-focused approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with tact, discretion and diplomacy.
• Proven track record of delivery in high-pressure environments and the ability to work to pace.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and manage risk.
• Problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Educated to at least degree level; CIPD qualified to level 5; evidence of continuing professional development.

Location

The role is based at 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD, with at least 2 days a week in the office or as appropriate to the role.

How to apply

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do a final check and click submit.

Anonymised Applications

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We recognise AI can help write application content. If you choose to use AI, use it as a helper rather than rely on it entirely. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have an accessibility need or disability requiring changes to the application or recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team at careers@wmca.org.uk.

Salary and benefits

We advertise salary ranges; new appointments typically start at the lowest salary point, with potential year-on-year progression. Salary above the maximum range will not be considered. Our benefits package includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with option to purchase more).
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• Discounted bicycle options, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles.
• 3 days paid leave per year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 retailers and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Creating an inclusive workplace

WMCA is committed to diversity and inclusion, with accreditations and programs that support equal opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and encourage applicants who meet the essential criteria to apply, including those from underrepresented groups. We welcome part-time, flexible, and job-share arrangements.

Right to Work

Proof of Right to Work in the UK is required for all applicants before any employment offer is confirmed. Non-UK applicants may need a valid UKVI visa.

Job details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Human Resources
• Industries: Government Administration