At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing HR team and shape workforce strategy.
- Company: Preston City Council, dedicated to serving the community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid work, 30+ days leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational change and employee development.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with strong leadership and employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 52413 £ per year.
Closing Date 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 10 May 2026
Reference REWF01002
Full Time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £51,356 to £52,413 per annum - pay award pending
Resources – Workforce. Preston City Council provides a wide range of key services to the people of Preston including Environmental Health, Housing Advice, Welfare Benefits, Community Engagement, Electoral Services, Planning, Waste Management, Parks, Events and a Revenues and Benefits Shared Service with Lancaster City Council.
We are looking for an experienced and forward‑thinking HR Manager to lead a high‑performing HR team and play a key role in delivering a professional, responsive and people‑focused HR service across the Council. This is a senior HR role with real influence, offering the opportunity to shape workforce strategy, lead complex casework and contribute to major organisational change.
Reporting to the Assistant Director (Head of Workforce), you will manage and support the HR team, providing expert advice to managers across the organisation on the full range of HR matters. You will lead on complex and high‑risk cases, drive continuous improvement in HR policies and processes, and contribute to corporate initiatives that support organisational priorities.
You will also work closely with colleagues across Workforce, including Learning and Development and Health & Safety, to help shape and deliver the Council’s People Strategy.
About You
You will be an experienced HR professional with strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of employment law and best HR practice. You will be confident advising at senior level, comfortable managing complex and sensitive issues, and committed to developing people‑centred solutions that support both managers and employees.
Benefits
- flexi time
- hybrid working
- minimum of 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- family friendly policies
- access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- AVC's
- life assurance scheme
- casual car user allowance
- payment of professional fees
- discounted parking
- cycle to work scheme
- discounted bus and rail fares
HR Manager in Preston employer: Preston Partnership
Contact Detail:
Preston Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the HR Manager role. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it's time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Preston City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing complex HR issues, as these are key for us at Preston City Council.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to workforce strategy or led HR initiatives in the past.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of employment law and best HR practices in your application. We want to see that you’re not just experienced, but also up-to-date with current trends and policies.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Preston Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on employment law and HR best practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just experienced, but also knowledgeable about the latest trends and changes in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex cases in the past. This role is all about leadership, so demonstrating your ability to guide and support others will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Understand the Council's People Strategy
Familiarise yourself with Preston City Council's current HR initiatives and challenges. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their People Strategy will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to make an impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to employee development or how they handle complex HR issues. It shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.