At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the HR Business Partnering team through change and challenges.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council, a community-focused organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £25.26 per hour, hybrid working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for contract extension or permanent role for the right candidate.
- Why this job: Make a tangible difference in HR while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and strong employee relations knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 25.26 - 25.26 £ per hour.
Halton Borough Council is looking for an experienced and confident Lead HR Business Partner to provide leadership and direction to its HR Business Partnering team during an important period of change. This is a key leadership role within the HR function, with responsibility for supporting the HRBP team through current challenges, strengthening ways of working and ensuring managers across the Council continue to receive high-quality, pragmatic HR support.
Reporting to the Head of HR Operations, you will lead, coach and support the HR Business Partnering team, whilst also operating as a senior HR Business Partner to an area of the Council. This is an opportunity for an experienced HR leader who is comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level, can build trust quickly and is confident in helping teams and managers navigate change, improvement and complex employee relations matters.
Role Summary
As Lead HR Business Partner, you will provide day-to-day leadership to the HRBP team, setting direction, supporting performance and creating a collaborative environment where colleagues can share best practice and work effectively together. You will work closely with the Head of HR Operations and wider HR Leadership Team to help shape people strategies, improve service delivery and ensure the HRBP model continues to develop in line with the Council's priorities. A key part of the role will be steering the team through change and current challenges, providing stability, clear leadership and practical solutions whilst maintaining a strong focus on service delivery.
Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will act as a senior HR adviser and trusted partner to managers and senior leaders, providing expert advice across employee relations, workforce planning, organisational change and people management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, coach and develop the HR Business Partner team, including objective setting, performance management, mentoring and capability development.
- Provide clear direction and support to the team during a period of change and organisational challenge.
- Build strong team relationships, encouraging collaboration, consistency and the sharing of best practice.
- Work closely with the Head of HR Operations and HR Leadership Team to shape and deliver people strategies, initiatives and service improvements.
- Act as a strategic and operational HR Business Partner to a designated area of the Council, developing strong relationships with senior managers and service leaders.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on complex employee relations matters, including discipline, grievance, absence, performance, capability and organisational change.
- Support HRBPs and HR Advisors with complex or sensitive cases, ensuring appropriate risk management, escalation and resolution.
- Coach and empower managers to improve their people management capability and confidently manage change.
- Ensure employment legislation, ACAS guidance, Council practice and developments affecting local government HR.
About You
- Significant experience of leading or managing an HR Business Partnering team.
- Strong knowledge of employee relations and employment legislation.
- Proven experience advising and influencing senior managers.
- Experience of managing complex employee relations cases and organisational change.
- Strong coaching and people leadership skills.
- The ability to build credibility and positive relationships quickly.
Experience of, initial contract is expected to be 4-6 months, with the potential for extension and potentially a permanent opportunity for the right person.
About Connect2Halton
Connect2Halton is Halton Borough Council's own recruitment service, providing temporary and contract staffing solutions across the Council. We are part of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP and are jointly owned by Halton Borough Council and Commercial Services Kent. As a Council-owned recruitment service, our focus is on providing safe, compliant and cost-effective recruitment solutions whilst supporting the local community. Any profits generated through Connect2Halton are returned to the public purse, helping to support frontline services.
If you are an experienced HR leader looking for a role where you can make a real impact and help steer a team through change, we would love to hear from you.
Maintain an overview of employee relations across relevant service areas and identify opportunities to improve employee relations and workforce effectiveness. Support the continued development and embedding of the Council's Business Partnering model and identify opportunities to improve HR service delivery. Work collaboratively across the wider HR function, including HR Operations, Resourcing, Organisational Development, Pay and Reward and other specialist areas. Develop strong and constructive relationships with Trade Unions and contribute to effective partnership working. Support workforce initiatives, transformation programmes and organisational change projects. Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles across people management and workforce practices. Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement across the HR service. Keep up to date with employment legislation, best practices, working collaboratively with Trade Unions.
Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills. A pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to HR. The ability to balance strategic thinking with a willingness to get hands-on when required. Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively in a challenging environment.
This role would suit an experienced HR leader who enjoys bringing structure, stability and positive leadership to teams during periods of change, and who can quickly build relationships and make an impact.
Why Join Us?
This is a great opportunity to join Halton Borough Council at an important time for its HR service. You will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the HRBP team, support improvements in the way the service operates and work closely with senior leaders across the Council. The role offers hybrid working, with a 37-hour working week, Monday to Friday, at £25.26 per hour.
HR Manager in Widnes employer: Halton Borough Council
Halton Borough Council is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative SEND reforms in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a focus on meaningful impact, employees can expect a culture of partnership working, professional growth, and the chance to see the direct results of their efforts in improving outcomes for children and families. Located in the heart of Cheshire, Halton provides a dynamic setting where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Widnes
✨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 Halton Borough Council!
✨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 Halton Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Widnes
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 Halton Borough Council. 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 Halton Borough Council 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 Halton Borough Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Halton Borough Council'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 Halton Borough Council
✨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 Halton Borough Council.
✨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 Halton Borough Council 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 Halton Borough Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
