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- Tasks: Lead people-focused change initiatives and provide strategic HR expertise.
- Company: Join Connect2Dorset, a people-focused organisation transforming Dorset Council.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible working hours, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with exposure to diverse council services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational change during a pivotal transformation phase.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualification or equivalent experience in HR and change management.
The predicted salary is between 47400 - 54200 £ per year.
Location: Dorchester (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Temporary (Up to 12 months)
Hours: Full time or part time (minimum 21 hours per week - flexible and can accommodate school hours)
Salary: 22.85 to 26.06 per hour (DOE)
About Us
Connect2Dorset is the managed service provider for Dorset Council, delivering high-quality temporary, contract, and interim staffing solutions. We pride ourselves on being an ethical, transparent, and people-focused organisation, committed to supporting both our clients and candidates. Dorset Council is mid-transformation. Our Future Council programme is reshaping how the organisation works, and phase two brings increasing complexity. This is a pivotal time to join and make a meaningful impact.
About the Role
We are recruiting an experienced HR Change Lead to play a central role in delivering people-focused organisational change as part of phase two of the Our Future Council transformation programme. This is a strategic and enabling HR role, working at the heart of complex, organisation-wide change. You will partner closely with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and colleagues across OD and Change to ensure change is delivered effectively, with people at the centre. You will lead on a range of people change activities, including restructures, and provide both strategic and operational HR expertise. This role offers significant visibility across the council and the opportunity to influence real decisions that directly impact services and employees.
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working model
- Typically office attendance around once per fortnight
- Increased on-site presence required during June due to key meetings and programme activity
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver people-focused change initiatives, including organisational restructures
- Provide expert strategic and operational HR advice to senior leaders and stakeholders
- Partner with HR Business Partners and senior management to support complex change programmes
- Work collaboratively with OD and Change teams to deliver joined-up, flexible solutions
- Support and guide managers through change processes with clarity and confidence
- Ensure robust governance and compliance throughout all change activity
- Lead on complex employee relations matters linked to organisational change
- Build and maintain positive, constructive relationships with recognised Trade Unions
- Contribute to the successful delivery of phase two of the transformation programme
Skills & Experience
- CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
- Proven experience leading complex organisational change and employee relations casework
- Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
- Strong judgement, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels
- A calm, clear, and confident approach in complex or ambiguous situations
- Highly collaborative, adaptable, and able to work at pace
- Experience working in large, complex organisations or public sector environments is desirable
What's in it for You
- Opportunity to work on a high-profile, live transformation programme
- Exposure to a wide range of services across the council
- Meaningful work with direct impact on people and organisational outcomes
- Access to experienced colleagues and ongoing development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and adaptable hours
Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
HR Change Lead in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Contact Detail:
Connect2Dorset Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Change Lead in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in HR or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their current challenges and think about how your skills as an HR Change Lead can help them navigate their transformation programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role. Highlight your strategic and operational HR expertise, especially in leading complex organisational changes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Connect2Dorset.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Change Lead in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Change Lead role. Highlight your experience with organisational change and how it aligns with our Future Council programme. We want to see how you can make a meaningful impact!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your CIPD qualification and any relevant experience in employee relations. We’re looking for someone who can operate at both strategic and operational levels, so let us know how you fit the bill!
Be Clear and Confident: When writing your application, keep your language clear and confident. This role involves guiding managers through complex changes, so we want to see that you can communicate effectively right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Change Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of change management principles and practices. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led organisational change, especially in complex environments.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Familiarise yourself with the Our Future Council programme and how it aims to reshape the organisation. Think about how your role as an HR Change Lead can directly influence this transformation and be prepared to share your thoughts during the interview.
✨Build Relationships in Your Answers
Since this role involves partnering with senior leaders and HR Business Partners, highlight your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've built trust and maintained positive relationships in previous roles, especially when navigating complex change.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the nature of the role, you might face questions about handling ambiguity and complex situations. Prepare to demonstrate your calm and clear approach by discussing times when you've successfully managed challenging employee relations or change processes.