Human Resources Director - #2078809

Human Resources Director, Lothian Group

Salary: Competitive six figure package

Location: Edinburgh

Shape the future of public transport in Edinburgh

The Lothian Group plays a vital role in the daily life of Scotland’s capital and the wider Lothian region.

Every day, our bus and tram services connect communities, power the local economy and enable hundreds of thousands of journeys—safely, reliably and affordably. Both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are recognised as the gold standard for public transport performance in the UK.

As we move into the next phase of integration across our bus and tram operations, we are seeking an exceptional Human Resources Director to play a pivotal role in shaping our future — leading the development of a unified, high-performing organisation of over 3,000 colleagues.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Director Team, you will provide strategic people leadership across Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, working in close partnership with fellow directors to support safe, reliable and sustainable service delivery.

We are seeking an accomplished and credible HR leader who is comfortable operating at Board level, providing clear advice, constructive challenge and confident leadership during a period of organisational integration and transformation.

This is a critical leadership role at a defining moment in our journey, with direct impact on how we operate, lead and evolve as a fully integrated transport group.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in Executive-level HR leadership within a large, complex and unionised environment
• A strong track record of delivering organisational change and transformation, ideally within a multi-site or operational context
• Deep expertise in industrial relations and employment law, with the ability to manage complex and high-risk matters
• The credibility and judgement to influence, challenge and build trusted relationships at the most senior levels
• A collaborative, values-led leadership style, with a strong focus on culture, engagement and organisational performance
• A CIPD qualification (Level 7 or equivalent) or comparable professional experience

This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading transport organisations at a pivotal moment in its development—and to shape the future of integrated public transport in Edinburgh and the wider region.

How to Apply

To apply for this post, please send your tailored CV and covering letter by email, highlighting in the subject heading Human Resources Director to [email protected]

If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role, or to request a full Candidate Information Pack then please contact LHH recruitment +44 (0) 141 220 6460 or send an email to the above.

Closing date for applications midnight Sunday 21 June 2026.

Interviews weeks beginning 13 July and 20 July.