Organisational Development Adviser

Hours: 37 hours per week (full time) Contract: Permanent Salary: Grade 9 - £42,840 - £46,142 Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office) Help shape SYMCA’s culture, leadership and people practices, and deliver organisation‑wide initiatives that enable our people and our region to thrive. We’re committed to building a strong, inclusive and high‑performing organisation that can deliver ambitious outcomes for the region. The Organisational Development Adviser plays a critical role in this, designing and delivering people initiatives that strengthen organisational culture, leadership capability and long‑term workforce sustainability. This role combines strategic insight with hands‑on delivery. You will scan the horizon for emerging best practice, translate organisational priorities into effective people solutions, and ensure initiatives are embedded, adopted and delivering measurable impact. Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal . Application Information Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter. For this role the Hiring Manager has requested that cover letters should demonstrate the following criteria from the Role Profile. Experience in the development and delivery of Leadership Development Programmes Experience in the implementation and management of talent management and succession planning approaches Experience of managing colleague listening strategies include colleague surveys and engagement forums Experience of working with/supporting HR Business partners to analyse Directorate development requirements and support the delivery of implementation plans. We anticipate that first stage interviews will take place week commencing 22 June, with a preference for face-to-face. About the role You will lead the design, implementation and evaluation of organisation‑wide organisational development initiatives, supporting delivery of SYMCA’s people and organisational strategies. Acting as a product owner for key people initiatives, you will ensure programmes are well‑designed, evidence‑led and aligned to organisational priorities, while maintaining a strong focus on colleague experience and engagement. Key responsibilities include: Advising senior HR and People Services leaders on the design and implementation of organisational development initiatives that align with organisational strategy and future needs. Conducting organisational diagnostics and assessments to understand organisational health, using data and analytics to identify issues, opportunities and evidence‑based recommendations. Designing and delivering a clear leadership development framework that defines expectations, supports progression and drives accountability from emerging leaders through to Executive level. Designing and delivering learning and development programmes, workshops and resources across areas such as leadership, customer service and team effectiveness. Working in partnership with Talent Acquisition and wider HR colleagues to develop and implement talent management and succession planning approaches that build a sustainable talent pipeline. Leading initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity and wellbeing, strengthening engagement and creating a positive, supportive organisational culture. Developing and managing an early careers strategy in partnership with Talent Acquisition, including work experience, placements, internships and graduate programmes. About you We are looking for an experienced and confident organisational development professional who brings strategic insight, strong facilitation skills and a practical, delivery‑focused mindset. You will be comfortable influencing at senior levels, working in complex environments and translating organisational priorities into effective people solutions. You will bring: Experience designing and delivering leadership development programmes. Experience supporting organisational change initiatives, including restructures. Strong experience implementing and managing talent management and succession planning approaches. Experience designing and facilitating conferences and large‑scale learning events. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to develop compelling business cases and inform decision‑making. Qualification or experience in psychometric tools (desirable). Experience managing graduate or early careers programmes (desirable). Experience managing learning experience or learning management platforms and content (desirable). CIPD or other relevant qualification, or significant experience in an organisational development role (desirable). Benefits All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success. In addition to the above, some of our benefits include - Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues. Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts. Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave. Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes. Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management. Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements. Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact [email protected] or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.