Executive Search Services- Human Resources and Civil Service Director

The City of Lakeland, Florida (“City”), is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified executive search firms to conduct a national recruitment for the position of Human Resources and Civil Service Director.

The selected firm will assist the City in identifying, recruiting, screening, and presenting highly qualified candidates capable of leading a full-service municipal HR department within a Commission-Manager form of government and Civil Service environment.

The Community

Located along the Interstate 4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is the largest city between these two metropolitan areas. Built upon historic character, philanthropy, and volunteerism, Lakeland offers its residents, businesses, and visitors a distinctive sense of place.

Incorporated in 1885, Lakeland quickly emerged as one of Florida’s premier cities. From the arrival of railroad service in the mid-1890s to being one of the first cities in Florida to provide electricity, Lakeland has long been a hub of innovation and progressive ideas. Today, the City continues to thrive as population and business growth are drawn to this strategically located community in the geographic center of the state.

Lakeland’s economic base includes warehouse and distribution, transportation, education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and tourism. The City is home to Publix Supermarkets headquarters and Florida Southern College, which hosts the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The City is also the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers, a Major League Baseball team.

Lakeland has received national recognition, including distinction on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” list and rankings among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Florida and the United States.

Lakeland has a population of approximately 123,760 residents, the 18 ^th largest in Florida. Polk County’s population is approximately 826,090. The Lakeland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is the 7th largest in the state.

The Organization

The City operates under a Commission-Manager form of government. The public elects six City Commissioners and a Mayor. The City Commission establishes policy, adopts ordinances, and appoints the City Manager. The City Manager oversees day-to-day operations, prepares the annual budget, makes policy recommendations, and appoints department directors.

The Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager report to the City Manager and assist in the administration of City operations.

The City employs approximately 2,453 budgeted positions, including:

• 2,183 full-time
• 40 part-time
• 11 full-time temporary
• 219 part-time temporary

Collective bargaining units represent approximately 790 positions. Bargaining units include:

• Fraternal Order of Police (Police Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Officers)
• International Association of Fire Fighters (Firefighters, Driver Engineers, Lieutenants)
• Utility Workers Union of America (Lakeland Electric and Water Utilities classifications)

The Position

The Human Resources and Civil Service Director reports to the City Manager (or designee) and oversees the City’s comprehensive human resources functions, including:

• Recruitment and workforce planning
• Classification and compensation administration
• Labor relations and collective bargaining support
• Employee training and development
• Policy development and regulatory compliance

The position exercises significant independent judgment and initiative in administering a comprehensive HR program designed to support workforce excellence and organizational effectiveness.

In addition to traditional HR functions, the Director serves as the administrative officer of the Civil Service Board and administers Civil Service Rules under the direction of the Civil Service Board and the City Manager. Civil Service Rules govern classification, selection, promotion, demotion, transfer, dismissal, and compensation for covered positions, except those specifically exempted by Commission resolution.

This role requires executive-level leadership, labor relations expertise, policy acumen, and the ability to balance operational needs with governance oversight.