Job Description

Grade 11 starting salary of 66,378pa

Are you passionate about driving continuous improvement, fostering creativity, and championing innovation in talent management?


We are seeking a visionary Talent Manager to lead our approach to workforce planning and talent development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our organisation by ensuring we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and deliver a forward-thinking talent strategy aligned with our corporate vision, covering workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, talent pools, and employee engagement. Design and implement innovative talent programmes from apprenticeships and graduate schemes to internships, shadowing, and work experience, to grow workforce skills and capability. Provide strategic leadership to the Talent team, inspiring a culture of creativity and continuous improvement. Use data and evidence to inform workforce planning and engage stakeholders in the development of local solutions. Collaborate with senior managers to anticipate future talent needs and create progressive career pathways. Champion diversity and inclusion, ensuring our policies and practices are modern, fair, and inclusive. Lead on strategic resourcing solutions, including executive recruitment, and build strong networks with schools, colleges, universities, and local businesses. Evaluate the impact of programmes and use insight to drive ongoing innovation and improvement. Contribute fresh ideas to the modernisation of HR & OD, ensuring the service remains future focused. Represent HR & OD in major transformation programmes, ensuring people-related aspects are managed creatively and effectively.

What we're looking for:

Extensive experience designing and implementing talent programmes in large, complex organisations. A proven track record of leading change projects and managing diverse development initiatives. Excellent interpersonal skills to engage, influence, and inspire others. A creative, future-focused mindset with the ability to innovate, problem-solve, and adapt in a dynamic environment. Commitment to personal and professional growth, with a passion for embracing new ideas and approaches.

Why Choose Havering?

At Havering, we are ambitious about the future and committed to developing people who can make it happen. As part of our team, you'll benefit from:


Competitive Salary Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme Flexible Working Options including hybrid and remote arrangements Generous Annual Leave with the option to buy additional days Professional Development with a commitment to 10 days of learning annually Health & Wellbeing Support including mental health resources Inclusive Culture guided by our ICARE values : Integrity, Creativity, Ambition, Respect, Everyone*

About Us

Havering is one of London's most diverse and exciting boroughs, combining a vibrant local economy with some of the capital's greenest spaces. With excellent transport links, thriving town centres, and strong community networks, Havering offers a fantastic quality of life -- whether you are commuting into the city or enjoying the borough's cultural and recreational opportunities closer to home.


As a council, we are ambitious, forward-looking, and committed to delivering high-quality services that make a real difference to our residents. We embrace digital innovation, modernisation, and new ways of working to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Guided by our ICARE values, we foster an inclusive and supportive culture where colleagues are encouraged to think differently, bring fresh ideas, and grow their careers.

For more information about the position please click

Job Profile

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact

Joanne.Budden@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 26/10/25

however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.


You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.


Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering .


The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

*About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
Find out why you should work for Havering Council .