Head of Human Resources and Workforce Development

Blackpool is changing - do you want to be part of it?

Blackpool is famous for its iconic tower and promenade, seven miles of golden beaches, the magic of the Illuminations and its warm and friendly welcome. It has a population of 140,000 and is in the North-West, approximately one hour away from the cosmopolitan city of Manchester and beautiful Lake District.

After seeing a massive multi-million-pound investment in regeneration over the last few years, there are tonnes of exciting things to see and do. From theatre shows and music gigs to golfing or exploring England's favourite park, Blackpool truly is the perfect place to live, work and play.

Blackpool's story is one of continual reinvention, notable for its scale, speed and ambition. Driven by the desire for progress and the need to respond to the effects of an ever-evolving society, the town seeks new ways of working and innovating. Blackpool's unmistakable entrepreneurial spirit has endured through a can-do culture of tackling problems in a nimble way that constantly seeks positive change rather than fighting to maintain the status quo.

The same can be said of Blackpool Council; we too are driven by a desire for continuous improvement and innovation and we are looking for an outstanding Head of HR and Workforce Development who shares those qualities to help us achieve our big ambitions. This is an exciting opportunity in a role that extends beyond the Council workforce to also support and work in partnership with our wholly owned companies, which were created to better enable the council to achieve its strategic aims. There are currently 8 wholly owned companies delivering services such as transport, housing, waste services, waterparks, conferencing and theatre. In addition, support is provided to a number of schools and Multi Academy Trusts.

The diversity of the Council and its wholly owned companies makes for a challenging and exciting role for a senior HR leader with experience in either public sector, private sector or both. Depending upon the background of the successful candidate we will provide tailored support to adapt to this role – whether it's about learning the language of local government or learning about our services and wholly owned companies.

The role

As Head of HR and Workforce Development, you will have an exciting opportunity to shape the workforce to help create a modern vision of Blackpool and its economy; renewing its position as the premier seaside resort in the UK, while also providing the help, support and opportunities for local people to make the most of their lives.

You will help to deliver:

• A culture where everyone is able to thrive and take personal responsibility.
• Opportunities from Devolution.
• Our ambition: Through investment in place and skills; individual-level personal development and fostering a can-do culture among our employees.
• Clear, consistent and accountable leadership in all roles. Decisions will be made at the right level and people will feel empowered.
• Our values so that all employees, regardless of role, understand the part their behaviours play in creating a culture where everyone is treated fairly and with respect and kindness.
• A workforce fit for the future through learning from others, sharing best practices, workforce planning, creating development and career pathways, and retaining talent.

Your role is to help us create a workforce that is diverse, properly skilled and with the ambition, drive and behaviours to make change happen so that collectively we make a real difference to the lives of Blackpool residents.

If this opportunity excites you, then we would love you to apply.

Alternatively, if you would like to learn more through an informal chat with our current Head of HR and Workforce Development, Linda Dutton, please email Linda.dutton@blackpool.gov.uk to arrange a call back.