Systems-Led Workforce Transformation

Reporting to the Head of HR and Learning, this role holds force-wide accountability for workforce strategy, people systems and associated transformation programmes. A key emphasis is the strategic leadership, optimisation and embedding of enterprise people systems to underpin effective workforce planning and assurance. Key areas of focus include:

• Strategic leadership of workforce planning, people systems and people data governance across South Yorkshire Police
• Ownership of a complex portfolio of transformation activity, transitioning programmes into sustainable business-as-usual operation
• Leading the integration and optimisation of Oracle HR, Oracle EPM and duties systems from an HR and Learning perspective to enable robust workforce modelling, analytics and insight
• Making long-term decisions on system architecture, data quality, interoperability and process alignment
• Embedding new people-related systems and ways of working across HR, Learning and wider organisational stakeholders
• Providing authoritative workforce insight, forecasting and scenario modelling to inform executive and board-level decision-making
This role demands professional authority, sound judgement and confidence operating in a complex, high-profile and highly scrutinised public sector environment. The Successful Applicant You will be a senior workforce or transformation leader with a strong public sector background, bringing deep expertise in workforce planning, systems-enabled change and organisational transformation.


• Proven senior-level experience of workforce strategy and planning within complex public sector organisations
• Strong technical knowledge of workforce planning methodologies, demand and supply modelling and people analytics
• Demonstrable experience leading the implementation or optimisation of enterprise HR and workforce systems (Oracle experience highly desirable)
• Experience providing assurance and insight at executive and board level
• A strong track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex change with multiple stakeholders and dependencies
This role will suit an individual who combines strategic vision with system fluency, credibility with senior leaders and a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach.

About South Yorkshire Police - A Pivotal Time to Join South Yorkshire Police is entering a significant period of transformation, modernising how workforce strategy, systems and insight support operational policing and long-term sustainability. Substantial investment is being made in workforce planning capability, people analytics and cloud-based HR and duty management systems, underlining the organisation's commitment to evidence-led decision-making and future-focused resourcing. This is a compelling time to join a police force where workforce strategy sits firmly on the executive agenda. The successful postholder will play a central role in shaping system-enabled, sustainable workforce solutions that balance operational demand, affordability, governance and public accountability. For a senior leader with the right experience, this role offers genuine influence and the opportunity to create lasting organisational impact.


• Salary: £71,853 - £73,215
• Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract
• Working Pattern: Hybrid working (3 days onsite in Sheffield.)
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join South Yorkshire Police at a pivotal moment, playing a defining role in shaping a modern, data-led and sustainable workforce fit for the future of policing. Please note, any successful candidate (& members of their household) will have to go through police vetting & financial checks.