HR Manager in Havant

We are looking for an HR Manager to create and implement strategies to attract, retain, develop, inspire and support a strong, engaged workforce. You will support the management team to put people first and to create a balanced and flexible working environment capable of working in an innovative and agile way. You will lead the HR Team to ensure all aspects of people and culture are adhering to current employment legislation and best practice, including Employee Relations, Performance Management, Recruitment, Learning & Development, HR Policies, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Reward & Recognition and Wellbeing. You will also manage the contractual relationship with the outsourced Payroll provider to ensure the process is delivered on time and to the best quality each month.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• Support for your continuous professional development
• Generous Leave Allowance
• Free Parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working/Hybrid working to support your work-life balance
• Family Friendly Packages
• A comprehensive benefits package

You should have:

• Minimum CIPD qualification Level 5 (or equivalent level gained through prior experience)
• Proven experience in successfully leading an HR function
• An understanding of organisational culture and its impact upon the workplace
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• Be a values-driven leader and line manager
• Ability to quickly build and maintain working relationships with all stakeholders
• Excellent numeracy and budget management skills
• A track record of having achieved personal professional and organisational goals over the course of their career
• Strong political awareness, stakeholder relationship management and cultural sensitivity

Contact: If you would like to discuss the role, please contact David Fairall, Assistant Director, People & Culture on 07570 951334 or via email david.fairall@havant.gov.uk.

To Apply: Please click apply and complete the short application process (3-4 minutes). Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful. We will not be able to progress your application further unless you provide a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile.

Closing date: Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on 20 February 2026 and interviews will be held week commencing 2 March 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

Diversity & Safeguarding: We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.

Emergency readiness: Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.