At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR initiatives and provide tailored advice across multiple councils.
- Company: Join a dynamic People & Culture team at Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex employee relations is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a new challenge where you can make a real difference? Are you an experienced and passionate HR professional who values building strong relationships and providing practical, people focused support? If so, this could be the next opportunity for you.
We are a small but mighty People & Culture team working across Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. As a generalist team, no two days are the same. We take the time to get to know our workforce, enabling us to provide tailored advice and guidance that makes a meaningful difference. We work with a People First leadership team that actively supports people initiatives and prioritises wellbeing, communication and development.
As we prepare our councils for Local Government Reorganisation, we are seeking a full time People Business Partner (fixed term until 31 March 2028) to support a number of Directorates across both organisations, providing day to day advice, guidance and casework support. Experience in managing complex employee relations matters is essential, including disciplinaries, grievances, organisational change and TUPE (due to the generalist nature of the role, this list is not exhaustive!). There will also be opportunities to assist with the transformation and change in respect of LGR.
We operate a hybrid working model, with an expectation of 2–3 days per week in the office across both councils. We take a flexible approach to this, balancing the needs of the role and the service.
If this opportunity has caught your attention and you would like to find out more, full details are available in the attached job description and person specification. For an informal conversation, please contact Zoe Saward, Corporate Manager – People & Culture, at zoe.saward@brentwood.rochford.gov.uk between 17 and 23 July, or Nichola Mann, Director – People & Governance, at Nichola.mann@brentwood.rochford.gov.uk between 24 July and 2 August.
Please note that this opportunity is being advertised on both Brentwood Borough & Rochford District Council's websites and advertising boards for full reach. All applications will be reviewed together meaning you only need to submit one application. This is a fixed term position until 31 March 2028. Interviews will be held on Monday 17 August 2026. If you are unavailable on this date, please detail this in your application form.
Benefits: We offer a Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, flexible working, and access to a range of staff discounts and wellbeing support through Vivup.
Please use our pension calculator to see which pension rate you will be entitled to in this role: Pension Calculator.
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Brentwood Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification. It is our policy that if you have not heard back within 3 weeks of the closing date you should assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.
People Business Partner in Essex employer: Brentwood
Brentwood Borough Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in public health. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, alongside benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements. Our focus on community engagement and health improvement provides a meaningful and rewarding experience for our staff, making it an ideal place to grow professionally while making a positive impact in the local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner in Essex
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Brentwood!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Brentwood.
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Brentwood. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Brentwood and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Brentwood. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Brentwood's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brentwood
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Brentwood.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Brentwood will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Brentwood and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
