Learning & Development Lead in Maldon

Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of HR Business Partner Manager, working in a part time position of 14.5 hours per week in a job share arrangement. The Council offers hybrid working, this role will be expected to attend the office for at least one team day per week, additional days subject to business need.

Role Purpose

To deliver a high-quality, professional HR business partnering service that supports managers and leaders to manage their people effectively and in line with council policies, employment legislation and good practice. To ensure compliance with employment law, statutory requirements, professional standards and internal HR policies across all areas of employee relations and workforce management. To enable the delivery of the council's workforce and organisational priorities through practical, proportionate and solution-focused HR advice and interventions. To provide operational leadership for HR business partnering and casework activity, ensuring enquiries, cases and escalations are managed consistently, timely and at the appropriate level. To support the development and continuous improvement of HR processes, guidance and ways of working, ensuring they are fit for purpose and customer focused. To effectively manage HR casework activity, balancing risk, employee wellbeing and organisational outcomes. To act as a role model for the service, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, resilience and compassion, with a strong focus on communication, people development and wellbeing.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide operational leadership of the HR business partnering and advisory function, ensuring consistent, high-quality advice and support to managers across the council.
• Oversee the management of employee relations and people management casework, ensuring cases are progressed efficiently, proportionately and in line with employment law, council policy and best practice.
• Support and advise senior managers on complex workforce issues, balancing organisational risk, employee wellbeing and service delivery requirements.
• Manage and develop the HR Business Partner and HR Business Advisors, setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development and capability.
• Ensure effective allocation, prioritisation and quality assurance of HR casework to meet service standards and customer expectations.
• Contribute to the development, review and implementation of HR policies, procedures and guidance, supporting consistency and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of HR and wider HR functions to deliver workforce priorities, organisational change and improvement activity.
• Build strong working relationships with managers, trade union representatives and internal stakeholders to support effective consultation, problem resolution and positive employee relations.

The Experience You Will Bring

A highly experienced and CIPD chartered HR professional (ideally Level 7), degree‑qualified with a strong track record of continuous professional development, you will bring substantial senior‑level experience in strategic HR practice within a local government or public sector context. With in‑depth knowledge of employment law, HR best practice and organisational operations, you will demonstrate expertise in employee relations, workforce planning and people risk, alongside the effective use of HR metrics to inform decision‑making. You will be confident managing complex casework, leading organisational change and delivering consistent, high‑quality HR advice, while building strong relationships with managers, trade unions and stakeholders. A collaborative leader, you will be skilled in coaching colleagues, influencing at all levels, and balancing competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Committed to customer‑centred service delivery, you will champion effective business partnering and the practical application of equality, diversity and inclusion, maintaining professionalism, discretion and integrity at all times.

Benefits

• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Flexible and agile working
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Discounted local gym membership
• Free parking

Maldon District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Disclosure and Barring checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, culture and experience. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status. Maldon District Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. To demonstrate our commitment, we have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer. As a Disability Confident Employer, we take various actions in order to successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.