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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage employee relations, ensuring fair outcomes and supporting HR initiatives.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, committed to transforming community services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contribution, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Join a values-driven environment making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in employee relations and strong knowledge of employment law.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 57786 - 63283 £ per year.
ASAP start required. Initially 6 months, with potential for longevity.
About Our Client
Sheffield City Council is advancing through its ambitious Future Sheffield transformation programme, reshaping and modernising how services are delivered for the city’s communities. As part of this change, the HR function is playing a critical role in supporting services, strengthening people management, and ensuring fair, consistent employee relations practice across a large and diverse workforce.
Why this is a great place for HR professionals:
- Phenomenal 19% employer pension contribution - far above most sectors
- A culture built on openness, fairness and doing the right thing for people
- Hybrid working - 3 days on site for collaboration and visibility
- A dynamic period of change offering plenty of challenge and development
- A values‑driven environment where employee experience truly matters
Job Description
In this role, your main responsibility is to own, lead and manage employee relations across the assigned portfolios. You will:
- Lead and develop a large team of HR Consultants and Advisors to strengthen ER delivery
- Lead on complex and high-volume ER casework, ensuring timely, consistent and fair outcomes
- Coach, influence and challenge managers to improve ER capability and confidence
- Support and advise on grievances, disciplinaries, sickness, performance, restructures, TUPE and other contentious matters
- Build strong relationships with trade unions, navigating negotiations with professionalism
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders, up to Executive Director level
- Use data and insights to spot trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Contribute to wider HR initiatives, workforce planning and OD projects where needed
While strategic elements remain, the day‑to‑day heartbeat of the role is ER leadership and casework management.
The Successful Applicant
The ideal candidate will have:
- Extensive, proven experience in employee relations - essential
- A background managing high‑volume, complex casework confidently and effectively
- Strong knowledge of employment law and ER best practice
- Experience coaching and influencing senior leaders and operational managers
- The ability to stay calm, credible and solutions‑focused in challenging situations
- Experience working in unionised, public sector or politically influenced environments
- CIPD Level 5+ or equivalent strategic HR/ER experience
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to simplify complexity
Availability: You must be available within 4 weeks, with immediate starters strongly preferred due to workload demands.
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary ranging from £57,786 to £63,283. Generous 19% pension contribution. Fixed‑term contract with the potential opportunity of wider opportunities. Opportunity to work in Sheffield, contributing to the local community.
If you are ready to take on this exciting Interim HR Manager opportunity within the public sector in Sheffield, we encourage you to apply today!
Interim HR Manager employer: Sheffield City Council
Contact Detail:
Sheffield City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim HR Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in HR or related fields. 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 company culture and values. Sheffield City Council is all about openness and fairness, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR interview questions, especially around employee relations. Show them you can handle complex casework and coach managers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen and gives you a better chance of landing that Interim HR Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim HR Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim HR Manager. Highlight your experience in employee relations and managing complex casework, as these are key for this position. We want to see how your background aligns with Sheffield City Council's goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to the Future Sheffield transformation programme. Don’t forget to mention your experience with coaching and influencing senior leaders.
Showcase Your Skills: Be sure to highlight your strong communication skills and your ability to simplify complex issues. This is crucial for the role, especially when dealing with grievances and negotiations. We want to see how you can bring clarity to challenging situations!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council
✨Know Your Employee Relations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations, especially in a public sector context. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've managed and how you navigated complex situations. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves coaching managers, think of examples where you've successfully influenced or guided others. Prepare to share how you’ve improved ER capabilities in previous roles, as this will highlight your leadership skills and ability to drive change.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Employment Law
Given the importance of employment law in this role, ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices. You might be asked about specific laws during the interview, so having this knowledge at your fingertips will give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Building strong relationships with trade unions and senior leaders is key. Think of examples where you’ve successfully navigated negotiations or built rapport in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a diverse workforce.