Human Resources Business Partner in Dorking

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) lies at the heart of Surrey. The towns of Dorking and Leatherhead are the district’s main centres. Our purpose‑built open‑plan offices have recently been refurbished. We are located opposite the Sports Centre, which offers a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, aerobics studio and café, and Dorking Halls, which provides a range of facilities including a café, cinema, theatre and concerts.

We are a small, highly collaborative and energetic HR & OD Team, bringing together colleagues from a range of professional backgrounds and expertise. The team works in partnership with the Council’s leadership and management teams to deliver a comprehensive, value‑adding HR & OD service across the organisation. As an HR Business Partner, you will work closely with our existing HR Business Partner to provide joined‑up, consistent and proactive support to managers across all service areas of the Council. A significant part of the role involves complex case management, ensuring managers receive timely, robust and pragmatic advice that supports effective case resolution and organisational learning. The role will report to the HR & OD Manager and will work closely with other members of the team from Recruitment, Payroll and Organisational Development (OD). Alongside the other Councils in Surrey, you will also play a key role in supporting the Council through the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as we move forward to transition to becoming East Surrey Council from 1 April 2027. This role will TUPE transfer into East Surrey Council.

This role would suit a talented and experienced HR professional with strong employee relations and change management experience, including end‑to‑end casework ranging from informal queries to complex casework, TUPE and restructures. This role will provide proactive, pragmatic and outcome‑focused day‑to‑day advice and guidance to managers, with a strong focus on employee relations matters. You will demonstrate a solid understanding of the impact of your advice on operations, with a proven track record of advising on a wide range of employment related HR issues. Using your good working knowledge of employment legislation and its application, you will build and develop relationships quickly with managers and staff at all levels, support and guide on a range of HR matters throughout the business.

The successful candidate will:

• Be CIPD qualified or equivalent with substantial experience of employee relations activities
• Have excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to develop strong relationships quickly with stakeholders at all levels
• Be a confident team player who is a self‑starter with strong analytical skills, excellent organisational ability and the interpersonal credibility to provide robust but pragmatic advice
• Have strong attention to detail and focus on data accuracy

Benefits:

• Hybrid working supporting our Climate Change Strategy, working 3 days from home and 2 days in the office (weekly)
• Free onsite parking at Pippbrook offices
• 24 days annual leave, rising to a maximum of 28 days a year (plus Bank Holidays)
• Excellent pension scheme including employer’s contribution of 15%
• Annual flu vaccinations and health checks
• Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health First Aiders to support your everyday wellbeing
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free Eye test
• Beautiful, well‑connected location in Surrey Hills, easy access to outdoor activities
• Staff events
• Family oriented organisation

For an informal chat about the role, please contact HR & OD Manager Sarah Guerin on 01306 879103.