Join our Executive Team and help build the workforce, leadership and culture that will serve our communities for generations to come.
Location
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Closing Date
9th Aug, 2026
Job Type
Support, Support Services
About this vacancy
This is a rare opportunity to join Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service as Director of People and help shape the future of our workforce, culture and organisational capability. As a member of the Executive Team, you will play a pivotal role in providing visible strategic leadership, across People Services, Organisational Development, Equality and Inclusion, and Training and Assurance. You will be central to enabling the Service to deliver its purpose, vision, Community Risk Management Plan and wider strategic priorities.
You will be responsible for
Leading the strategic direction and performance of the People Directorate, including HR, employee relations, wellbeing, payroll, organisational development, and operational training and assurance. You will be the principal advisor to the Fire Authority and Senior Executive Team on all people matters, ensuring that people strategy, culture, inclusion, workforce planning and organisational development are fully aligned to corporate priorities and operational delivery.
You will provide visible, values-led leadership across the Service, champion equality, diversity and inclusion, embed lessons from national reviews, strengthen leadership and career pathways, and ensure the organisation has the right people, skills and capability for the future. You will also lead the development of high-performing people services that are efficient, effective, trusted and focused on continuous improvement.
Vacancy details
We are seeking an exceptional and collaborative senior people leader with the credibility, strategic insight and resilience to operate at Executive level.
You will bring:
Proven experience as a strategic HR, organisational development or people leader within a complex organisation experiencing change
The ability to shape and deliver People, EDI and organisational development strategies that improve culture, engagement, wellbeing and performance
Outstanding leadership skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision and translate strategy into outcomes
High levels of political sensitivity, emotional intelligence, integrity and fairness
Strong influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, including the confidence to advise, challenge and build productive relationships internally and externally
Experience of managing resources and budgets, identifying efficiencies and delivering value for money
Qualifications required
CIPD qualified to Level 7
Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification and experience
Experience and skills required
Significant experience of leading and developing People and OD strategies within a complex organisation
Thorough understanding of UK employment law, statutory requirements and current employment practice
Strong understanding of how proactive HR and OD support organisational and operational delivery in the public sector
Knowledge of the strategic issues and challenges facing public services and fire and rescue services, including operating within a unionised environment
Evidence of embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in strategy, policy, practice and culture
Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare strategic reports, briefings and recommendations
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Mark Hemming –
[email protected]
Permanent Contract
Salary £123,513 + Car Allowance
Full Time
37-hour week
Local Government Pension Scheme
Good annual leave entitlement
Employee benefits
Employee Assistance Programme
Occupational Health
Onsite gym facilities
About us
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service serves the communities of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and is continuing an ambitious journey of modernisation and change. Our promise to the public, values and behaviours guide how we work, and our Community Risk Management Plan sets a clear strategic direction for an excellent, modern and agile fire and rescue service. We are looking for an exceptional people leader to help us embed an inclusive culture, strengthen organisational capability and ensure our workforce is equipped to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
How to Apply:
We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people of any colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability are welcome. If there are any adaptions or adjustments, we can make to help you in your application, or with our recruitment process, please contact us via e-mail or telephone.
Everyone who works with us is required to have a DBS check. If you have any queries or concerns regarding this, please contact
[email protected].
For further information about the role please review the job description.
(Internal applicants please log in using your iTrent Self Service username and password)
Applications should be made via the e-recruitment system.
Abatement and Protected Pension:
If are in receipt of a Firefighter’s pension, before taking up employment with Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority you are required to notify Human Resources as Abatement Rules may apply.
