Head of Corporate Services

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking HR professional to join West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service as our Head of Corporate Services. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are undertaking a significant phase of transformation through local government reorganisation and devolution, positioning ourselves to operate as an independent fire authority. This transition presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen our organisational capability, enhance resilience, and ensure we are equipped to meet the evolving risks and expectations of our communities.

Salary : £77,791 to £82,992 per annum Contract Type: Permanent Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week) Location: Chichester Fire Station, Northgate, Chichester PO19 1BD Interview Date: Monday 19 October and Tuesday 20 October at Horsham Fire Station, Platinum House, Macfarlane Way, Horsham, RH12 1EP. This role requires the successful candidate to travel independently to various venues and council locations across and outside of the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport.

Pool cars and pool bikes available. Regular attendance at your base location will also be necessary, and there will be opportunities for remote work. Final arrangements will be confirmed with the successful candidate. About the Job This pivotal senior leadership role will ensure that HR and Business Partnering Service strategies and programmes of work, align with the priorities and ambitions of the Service and Strategic Authority.

Working closely with the Director of Fire & Rescue Service, you will play a key role in delivering strategic objectives, fulfilling statutory responsibilities, and driving a culture of continuous improvement, while promoting organisational resilience, accountability, and public value. You will work to provide strategic leadership to ensure the delivery of effective governance, high-quality people services, legally compliant decision-making, and evidence-based organisational performance management.

The postholder will lead and drive excellence across the following areas: HR and Business Partnering, Professional Standards & Organisational Change Organisational Governance Performance & Data Procurement & Contracts Legal Services Ready to lead at the highest level? If you are a strategic adviser with the credibility to influence senior leaders and elected members, and a proven track record of leading teams through change to deliver results, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping our HR and Business Partnering, governance, workforce, legal and performance services as we transition into the Strategic Authority. Apply today. Required Qualifications and Skills Professional strategic HR management qualification (e.g. CIPD) or equivalent demonstrable experience. Demonstrable experience of leading multiple corporate service functions. Strong understanding of public sector governance, finance, workforce and performance management frameworks.

Significant experience of establishing, managing and leading high performing business functions, ensuring the delivery of effective, efficient and customer-focused services. Experience of providing leadership to staff, ensuring effective budget management and playing a key role in strategic decision-making on major spending priorities. Excellent people leadership skills, including experience of performance management, with the ability to inspire, support and empower individuals and teams to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Excellent political awareness and a strong understanding of the local government landscape, with experience of working successfully within complex political environments. Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate confidently and credibly with colleagues, partners, senior leaders and external organisations. For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer t