Operating Model Lead NEW

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Hybrid Working (Birmingham Based)

Initial 6-Month Contract

We are currently supporting a Local Authority in the recruitment of an experienced Operating Model Readiness Lead to play a key role in the implementation of new Commercial and Procurement operating models across the organisation.

This is a high-profile interim opportunity for a transformation professional with expertise in organisational design, workforce planning and change delivery. You will be responsible for ensuring the workforce is prepared, equipped and structured to support the successful implementation of new ways of working and future operating models.

The RoleThe Operating Model Readiness Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership for workforce planning and organisational readiness within Commercial and Procurement Services, ensuring the successful implementation of Commercial and Procurement Operating Models.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading workforce planning activities to support the implementation of operating models across Commercial and Procurement Services.
• Developing and delivering resource plans that ensure the right skills, capability and capacity are in place to meet future service requirements.
• Leading preparations for permanent recruitment against the new operating model structures.
• Managing temporary and interim resourcing arrangements throughout the transition period.
• Supporting the design and establishment of a professionally recognised procurement function that delivers commercial excellence, strategic outcomes and value for money.
• Ensuring workforce readiness supports the transition to new operating models, service delivery arrangements and ways of working.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive Continuous Professional Development (CPD) offer to strengthen capability across the service.
• Overseeing staffing budgets, workforce forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Supporting contingency planning for future phases of the target operating model and ensuring workforce and financial plans remain aligned.
• Ensuring effective onboarding of permanent employees and structured offboarding of interim and contract resources whilst retaining institutional knowledge.

About You
Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Significant experience leading organisational design, workforce planning or transformation programmes within a complex organisation.
• Experience leading major change initiatives, including operating model implementation and service redesign.
• Proven track record of strategic workforce planning, resource management and budget oversight.
• Experience in recruitment planning, talent management and organisational capability development.
• Strong understanding of change management principles and employee engagement approaches.
• Experience developing and implementing learning, development or professional development programmes.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working alongside senior leadership teams.
• Ability to analyse workforce data and management information to support decision-making.

Essential Skills

• Strategic leadership and organisational planning.
• Workforce and resource modelling.
• Financial and budget management.
• Change management and transformation delivery.
• Communication, negotiation and influencing.
• Programme and project management.
• Performance management and continuous improvement.

Why Apply?This is an excellent opportunity to join a major transformation programme and play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce, operating model and organisational capability of a large public sector organisation. You will work closely with senior leaders, influence strategic decision-making and help deliver lasting organisational change. Apply today by sending your updated CV or contact Gemma Meah at Hays for a confidential discussion.

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