Welcome to Sheffield City Council
Thank you for your interest in Sheffield and in the role of
Director of People and Organisational Culture.
Sheffield is a confident core city of nearly 600,000 people, known for innovation, creativity, community spirit and practical ambition. It thinks differently, values its communities and has a strong sense of purpose.
Since joining the city council in April this year, what has stood out to me is Sheffield’s energy, drive and appetite for change. There is real determination to create a better future for the city, its communities and the people who work here. That sense of purpose is why this is such a compelling opportunity for an experienced people leader.
The Director of People and Culture will be central to that agenda, connecting workforce, leadership and culture to the Council Plan, Sheffield’s City Goals, the Community Strategy and the outcomes we want for residents and the city.
This is far more than a traditional HR leadership role. Future Sheffield is our single transformation programme: changing how we operate so we become a modern, trusted and sustainable council. That means simpler, more joined-up services, better use of technology, closer work with residents and a financially sustainable operating model.
The issues Sheffield is tackling are significant: building a fair, inclusive economy, reducing inequalities, improving health and wellbeing, strengthening trust with residents and putting public services on a sustainable footing. Progress depends on how well we act as one council, with partners and with communities. Our Community Strategy is central to that shift, changing our relationship with people and places, designing and deciding with communities, and focusing resources around local need.
The foundations are strong. Our People and Culture team has made real progress over the past two and a half years, and our first People Strategy now gives clear direction. There is momentum, and a shared commitment to strengthening leadership, capability and the conditions colleagues need to succeed. That matters because when our people are well led, supported and empowered, the city feels the benefit.
The next chapter needs someone who can combine strategic vision with practical delivery. That means completing the Sheffield Role Review Programme and continuing our organisational change agenda, while also shaping culture, leadership and organisational development across one of the country’s largest local authorities, supporting nearly 9,000 employees and putting people at the heart of corporate decision-making.
For me, one of the most exciting aspects of this role is its influence. The Director will work closely with the Chief Executive, elected members and the Strategic Leadership Team, helping to support our workforce and lead change across the council. It is a role with real visibility, responsibility and impact.
I am looking for someone who shares our commitment to public service and believes organisational performance starts with people. Someone who can build trust, lead through complexity, work constructively with trade unions and stakeholders, and bring energy, resilience and sound judgement. I also want someone who can help make Sheffield City Council feel simpler, more confident and more connected for colleagues, so they can focus their talent and energy on the city.
This is important work, and it will not always be easy. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable with pace, complexity and difficult choices. That is also what makes the opportunity so significant: this role will help build the council Sheffield needs.
If, like me, you are attracted by the opportunity to help shape a city and a council at an important moment, this is a role where you can make a lasting difference. We are ambitious about Sheffield, clear-eyed about the challenges and serious about changing how we operate, so we improve outcomes for residents and build a council where people, talent and ideas can thrive. If that matters to you too, I would very much encourage you to apply.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sheffield City Council