At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives and influence organisational change in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive career development environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team focused on delivering high-quality services.
- Why this job: Shape the people agenda and make a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and CIPD Chartered membership required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included. This is a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of how we shape and deliver our people strategy. We're looking for an experienced HR leader to provide strategic direction, professional leadership and corporate assurance across our Strategic HR Business Partnering and HR Advisory services. This is a high profile role, working directly with senior leaders and members to influence complex organisational change, workforce strategy and people risk.
You will work closely with the Director of HR & OD to operate as a senior professional authority on strategic people matters, including workforce strategy, organisational design, complex employee relations and people related risk. Through strong professional leadership and influence, you will ensure that advice provided across the organisation is consistent, high quality, legally robust and aligned to corporate priorities. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people, as diversity and inclusion are key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role: This role offers the opportunity to shape the people agenda at scale in a large, complex organisation, influencing real outcomes for communities while leading a high impact HR function. You'll join a supportive senior leadership team with a clear focus on improvement, collaboration and delivering high quality services for Reading's residents.
- Lead our Strategic HR Business Partnering and HR Advisory functions, setting direction and expectations for professional excellence.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and Members on workforce strategy, organisational design and complex employee relations.
- Shape and deliver the Council's workforce strategy, aligned to transformation priorities and financial planning.
- Provide corporate assurance on restructures, change programmes and workforce decisions.
- Oversee high risk and high profile employee relations issues at a strategic level.
- Build strong relationships with trade unions and key stakeholders.
- Develop capability across the HR function, coaching and leading colleagues.
- Deputise for the Director of HR & OD where required.
About you: You'll be an experienced, credible HR leader who is comfortable operating at senior / chief officer level within a complex organisation. You'll bring:
- Significant experience advising senior leaders, boards or elected members on strategic people issues.
- A strong track record in the delivery of robust and effective organisational design solutions, workforce planning and complex change.
- Deep expertise in employment law, governance and people risk.
- Experience of working in local government or highly regulated environment.
- The ability to influence, challenge and lead through others.
- Strong leadership capability, developing teams, setting standards and driving performance.
- CIPD Chartered membership (or equivalent) is essential.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. Alongside the colleagues you work closely with, you'll also be part of Team Reading, making a personal contribution to a successful and vibrant borough. Our vision is for Reading to be a great place to live, work and play, where everyone shares the benefits of success. Our values and behaviours guide how we achieve this:
- Work Together as One Team: champion collaboration to deliver outcomes for Reading.
- Drive Efficiency: use resources effectively and maximise the impact of our people.
- Be Ambitious: strive for excellence and support others to reach their potential.
- Make a Difference to Reading: put residents first and embrace positive change.
Our offer: We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 31 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising 33 days after 10 years' LG service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026. Interview Date: Week commencing 29th June or 6th July 2026. Interview Process: To be confirmed.
Head of Strategic HR & Advisory employer: Job Search Place Limited
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees within a supportive and collaborative environment. As a Disability Confident Employer, we champion diversity and inclusion, offering generous benefits such as 31 days of holiday, flexible working opportunities, and a modern working environment in the heart of Reading. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the community while advancing your career in a role that values innovation and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic HR & Advisory
✨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 Job Search Place Limited!
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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 Job Search Place Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic HR & Advisory
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 Job Search Place Limited. 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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Job Search Place Limited'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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
✨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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
