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 team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team focused on excellence and positive change.
- Why this job: Shape the people agenda and make a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and CIPD Chartered membership required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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 in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
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 workplace in the heart of Reading. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the community while advancing your career in a high-profile strategic HR role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic HR & Advisory in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in HR and related fields. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and understand their people strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around workforce strategy and organisational design.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've influenced change and led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to navigate complex employee relations and drive performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic HR & Advisory in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Head of Strategic HR & Advisory role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This is a senior role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've influenced change and led teams in previous positions. We love to see strong leaders in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key aspects of strategic HR, organisational design, and employee relations. Brush up on current employment laws and governance issues relevant to local government. This will help you speak confidently about how you can influence complex organisational change.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, especially in developing teams and driving performance. Think about times when you’ve successfully advised senior leaders or managed high-profile employee relations issues. This will demonstrate your credibility and experience in a senior role.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including trade unions. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals. This is crucial for a role that requires influencing and advising at a senior level.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Reading Borough Council’s values and behaviours. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around collaboration, efficiency, ambition, and making a difference. This shows that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
