Strategic HR Manager

Overview

In this role you will drive progressive HR and Organisational Development strategies to shape a high-performing workforce. You will act as a trusted adviser to directorates, aligning workforce plans with business priorities and leading change across the council. You will develop HR professionals, partner with senior leaders and unions, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion. This two-year fixed-term post offers a chance to impact wellbeing, attendance, and efficiency at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR and Organisational Development initiatives to support the council’s mission
• Advise directorates and align workforce plans with priorities and outcomes
• Drive wellbeing, attendance improvements, and reduction of agency reliance
• Lead major organisational change programmes including restructures and TUPE transfers
• Develop and inspire HR professionals; manage and mentor teams
• Build strong partnerships with senior leaders and trade unions
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across the Council
• Communicate insights through reports and presentations to stakeholders

Key requirements

• CIPD qualification or equivalent professional HR accreditation
• Proven experience leading HR and OD initiatives in a complex organisation
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations, and OD practices
• Experience managing and developing HR teams with high performance and engagement
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at all levels
• Experience delivering large-scale change programmes including restructures and TUPE transfers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret workforce data for evidence-based decisions
• Exceptional communication skills, including report writing and presenting complex information
• Financial awareness and experience in managing budgets
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement in HR delivery

• stakeholder management
• influencing
• communication
• HR analytics
• workforce data interpretation
• report writing

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