Job Description

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London's Fire and Rescue Service - one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city.



We employ over 5,500 people, across our operational team (our firefighters), control (our call handlers who answer your 999 calls) and our non-operational team (our teams who work behind the scenes to support our front-line services, including HR, IT, Finance, Procurement, Communications etc.).



The Head of HR Operations and Systems is a new post within People Services (HR) with the scope for an ambitious and forward-thinking HR professional to make a career defining impact on our ambition to continuously develop and improve our People Services offer.



The successful candidate will be as proud and committed to our values as we are: Service, Courage, Learning, Teamwork, Equity and Integrity.



Who we're looking for



Do you have demonstrable leadership experience in HR operations and systems with a track record of optimising HR services, designed with the user in mind? To fulfil this role, you will require the ability to design and implement innovative systems, from conception to completion. You won't do this on your own, you will lead and inspire a team working in a complex and fast paced environment. If so, you could be the leader we're seeking.



Your Experience & Expertise



HR operations expert with senior-level experience of end-to-end HR service review and continuous improvement. Demonstrable experience of implementing HR Software systems and the ability and tenacity to successfully oversee the implementation of iTrent during 2025/26. A requirement to identify risk and mitigate those risks, whilst taking a range of stakeholders and your team with you through a period of change and system development. Proven experience of taking outdated processes to the digital innovation space including end to end employee lifecycle processes. Credible, resilient adviser at a senior level, comfortable providing direction and owning that direction. Skilled in managing, motivating, and developing staff in multi-disciplinary teams. Passionately driven by diversity, equity and inclusion, with a history of delivering on strategic DE&I objectives. Experience building and leading an HR Operations and Systems team to high performance and ongoing professional growth.



Your Skills



Excellent written and verbal communication - capable of crafting reports and briefings for diverse audiences. Consistent and enduring behaviours that build strong and credible relationships and tactful handling of sensitive issues, and political awareness. Collaborative leadership: able to build partnerships and work seamlessly across organisational boundaries. Inspirational team leadership, with a clear focus on excellence, innovation, and integrity. Strategic mindset with creative problem-solving, analytical acumen, and a strong grasp of data and budgeting. First-rate organisational skills and a resilient drive to succeed under pressure , with the ability to motivate and take the team with you.



Your Personal Style



A dedicated advocate for the vision, mission, and values of the London Fire Brigade. Resilient, tenacious, and calm under pressure - ready to lead in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Creative, professional, and leads by example - earning trust and confidence through integrity. Reflective and emotionally intelligent, with deep understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. Assured, assertive, and guided by strong judgement in complex situations.

Assessment Overview

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Stage 1



Online application, CV and cover letter (sift). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to stage 2



To apply, please complete the online application, provide a cover letter (max 2 sides of A4) clearly outlining the relevant qualifications, experience, skills and knowledge you have to successfully perform this role (see job description for more detail).



Please give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application as late applications cannot be accepted. Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.



Stage 2



Shortlisted candidates will be invited to LFB headquarters for assessment. Candidates will be required to participate in an interview and presentation (details to be confirmed prior to the interview). It is anticipated that these will take place w/c 28 July 2025.



Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.

Additional Information

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Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.



We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.



Why Join Us?



Be part of a people-focused transformation journey at one of the world's largest fire and rescue services. Lead a central HR function during a period of organisational redesign and digital modernisation, working closely with senior leadership to build an efficient, user-centred HR model. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of LFB through a team grounded in service, integrity, teamwork, equity, courage and learning.



What We Offer:



Working environment and work life balance

26 Days holiday plus bank holidays Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave Flexible working options available



Looking after you:



Mental Health and Wellbeing support including: Free access to the Brigade gym;

Use of the Brigade's Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers; Free counselling



Equality Support Groups Public Sector pension scheme including three years life assurance Reward benefits platform with lots of exciting benefits e.g. shopping discounts Opportunities to take part in a range of exciting events Opportunity to access affordable accommodation



Getting to and from work:

Season ticket loans Cycle to work scheme






In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.