Strategic People Partner Children\'s in Southend-on-Sea

Your New Organisation

Southend-on-Sea City Council is a unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who work alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking an ambitious and influential HR Business Partner to help shape a future-ready workforce and drive strategic transformation across a major Directorate. This is a full-time, permanent role offering a hybrid working pattern (a blend of home and office). In this post, you will partner with senior leaders to develop and deliver Directorate people plans aligned with corporate priorities and the Council's evolving HR operating model. You will lead key workforce initiatives, including organisational design, workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and cultural change.

You will oversee complex employee relations matters and long-term sickness management, while driving improvements in employee engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion. You will use workforce data and insights to shape decision-making, strengthen leadership capability and support continuous improvement. You will champion collaboration across HR, OD and Council-wide teams will be essential to delivering integrated, effective people solutions that support transformation and service excellence.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this post, it is essential that you have good knowledge of local government structures and procedures and a clear understanding of political frameworks. Substantial HR leadership experience in a complex environment preferably within local government alongside strong knowledge of organisational development, change management and workforce planning is essential for this post. It is crucial that you can influence senior stakeholders, navigate political environments and manage strong relationships with Trade Unions. Your ability to coach leaders, build credibility and operate with resilience will be vital for this post. You will demonstrate integrity, adaptability and a commitment to creating inclusive, high-performing cultures that deliver positive outcomes for employees and residents. It is vital that you are CIPD qualified (Lvl 5 minimum) or possess equivalent in-depth HR experience.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the 'Why Work For Us?' tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.