Deputy Director, HR Transformation

As Deputy Director, HR Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership for the transformation of Defra Group HR, shaping people services across Defra, its Arm's Length Bodies and the wider Synergy Cluster.

You will lead Defra Group HR's transformation agenda, spanning service redesign, the future operating model, digital and systems modernisation. You will ensure HR meets future organisational needs through modern, efficient and user-centred services that improve employee experience, strengthen workforce outcomes and deliver value for money.

You will support Defra's contribution to the Synergy Programme, lead development of the HR Target Operating Model, simplify and standardise services, champion digital and AI-enabled innovation, and ensure governance, capability and delivery arrangements are fit for the future.

As a member of the HR Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the function's direction. You will create the conditions for sustainable transformation and build a high-performing HR function that supports Defra Group's long term ambitions.

The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership with delivery expertise, working confidently in complex environments and translating ambition into practical, measurable outcomes for colleagues, customers and the organisation.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Future HR Vision

• Lead the development and implementation of Defra Group HR's transformation strategy, ensuring alignment with Defra Group priorities, Group Corporate Services ambitions and wider Civil Service reform.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the Chief People Officer, HR Senior Leadership Team and senior stakeholders on transformation, HR service design and implementation.

HR Transformation and Service Modernisation

• Lead the HR Change Programme and oversee delivery of the Defra Group HR transformation portfolio.
• Drive the design and implementation of modern, service-oriented HR capabilities that improve customer experience, service quality and organisational performance.

Synergy, Digital and Technology Transformation

• Act as the HR Functional Sponsor for Defra into the Synergy Programme.
• Ensure HR readiness for new technologies, business processes and operating models introduced through Synergy and related programmes including TU/ER consultation and engagement.
• Lead strategic adoption of digital, automation and AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, insight and service delivery.

HR Operating Model, Governance and Organisation Design

• Lead development and implementation of Defra Group HR's Target Operating Model and establish effective service ownership, governance arrangements, accountability frameworks and performance management approaches across the function.
• Shape future organisational structures, roles, capabilities and workforce requirements required to support long-term service delivery.

Partnerships, Influence and Stakeholder Leadership

• Build strong and trusted relationships across Defra Group, Arm's Length Bodies, Group Corporate Services and cross-government transformation communities.
• Represent Defra Group HR at senior governance forums and transformation boards.

Governance, Assurance and Benefits Realisation

• Provide senior oversight of programme governance, delivery assurance, risk management and benefits realisation.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Deputy Director, HR Transformation

Company: Government Recruitment Service

Salary: £86,000 - £117,800

Hours: Full-time

Location: Exeter

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 14 Aug 2026

Closing date: 7 Sept 2026

Summary

As Deputy Director, HR Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership for the transformation of Defra Group HR, shaping people services across Defra, its Arm's Length Bodies and the wider Synergy Cluster.

You will lead Defra Group HR's transformation agenda, spanning service redesign, the future operating model, digital and systems modernisation. You will ensure HR meets future organisational needs through modern, efficient and user-centred services that improve employee experience, strengthen workforce outcomes and deliver value for money.

You will support Defra's contribution to the Synergy Programme, lead development of the HR Target Operating Model, simplify and standardise services, champion digital and AI-enabled innovation, and ensure governance, capability and delivery arrangements are fit for the future.

As a member of the HR Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the function's direction. You will create the conditions for sustainable transformation and build a high-performing HR function that supports Defra Group's long term ambitions.

The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership with delivery expertise, working confidently in complex environments and translating ambition into practical, measurable outcomes for colleagues, customers and the organisation.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Future HR Vision

• Lead the development and implementation of Defra Group HR's transformation strategy, ensuring alignment with Defra Group priorities, Group Corporate Services ambitions and wider Civil Service reform.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the Chief People Officer, HR Senior Leadership Team and senior stakeholders on transformation, HR service design and implementation.

HR Transformation and Service Modernisation

• Lead the HR Change Programme and oversee delivery of the Defra Group HR transformation portfolio.
• Drive the design and implementation of modern, service-oriented HR capabilities that improve customer experience, service quality and organisational performance.

Synergy, Digital and Technology Transformation

• Act as the HR Functional Sponsor for Defra into the Synergy Programme.
• Ensure HR readiness for new technologies, business processes and operating models introduced through Synergy and related programmes including TU/ER consultation and engagement.
• Lead strategic adoption of digital, automation and AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, insight and service delivery.

HR Operating Model, Governance and Organisation Design

• Lead development and implementation of Defra Group HR's Target Operating Model and establish effective service ownership, governance arrangements, accountability frameworks and performance management approaches across the function.
• Shape future organisational structures, roles, capabilities and workforce requirements required to support long term service delivery.

Partnerships, Influence and Stakeholder Leadership

• Build strong and trusted relationships across Defra Group, Arm's Length Bodies, Group Corporate Services and cross-government transformation communities.
• Represent Defra Group HR at senior governance forums and transformation boards.

Governance, Assurance and Benefits Realisation

• Provide senior oversight of programme governance, delivery assurance, risk management and benefits realisation.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

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