Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives to enhance employee experience and drive cultural change.
- Company: Join Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, hybrid working, and fantastic employee perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real difference in Somerset.
- Qualifications: Degree in HR or related field; strategic HR leadership experience preferred.
- Other info: Contact the hiring manager for an informal chat before applying.
The predicted salary is between 65090 - 91000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Strategic HR Business Partner role at Somerset Council
Join to apply for the Strategic HR Business Partner role at Somerset Council
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
- This is a new senior HR leadership opportunity playing a vital role, equivalent to a Head of HR level, for three directorates (Resources, Strategy and Transformation, Finance and Procurement and the Chief Executive’s Office)
- Leading the creation and delivery of Directorate Workforce Plans to drive cultural change and a great employee experience
- 33 days annual leave plus opportunity to purchase additional leave.
- Permanent position with Hybrid working (2-3 days a week onsite in Taunton)
Some key information
- This is a new senior HR leadership opportunity playing a vital role, equivalent to a Head of HR level, for three directorates (Resources, Strategy and Transformation, Finance and Procurement and the Chief Executive’s Office)
- Leading the creation and delivery of Directorate Workforce Plans to drive cultural change and a great employee experience
- 33 days annual leave plus opportunity to purchase additional leave.
- Permanent position with Hybrid working (2-3 days a week onsite in Taunton)
What will I be doing?
We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. As one of four Strategic HR Business Partners at Somerset Council, you will be the lead professional HR&OD advisor to three directorates in the Council, with c1000 employees. You will have a key role in the implementation of the People Strategy, responsible for bespoke people solutions for your directorates and influencing their prioritisation, as well as ensuring that corporate HR&OD initiatives are effectively implemented.
Your day-to-day work will involve:
- Matrix working with senior leaders to develop and implement HR initiatives that drive organisational performance and productivity
- Providing expert advice and commissioning creative people solutions on all aspects of human resources, including talent management, employee relations, performance management and organisational development
- Fostering a high-performance culture, championing employee engagement, and ensuring the council attracts, recruits, develops, and retains top talent
- Balancing strategic and operational priorities as an integral part of a wider senior HR & OD leadership team
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have:
- A Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field or equivalent experience.
- MCIPD (or equivalent HR qualification) or equivalent experience gained in a large and complex organisation.
- Expert and in depth understanding of HR principles and best practice
- Proven experience in a strategic HR leadership role with a focus on cultural change
- Operational experience in advising senior leaders on complex employee relations cases and hard to recruit roles.
We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.
What\’s in it for me?
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.
We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:
- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
- Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
- Staff discounts in gyms.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
- Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
- My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more
Anything else I should know?
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Dawn Bettridge, Service Director HR and OD – Dawn.Bettridge@somerset.gov.uk
Interviews will take place 2 September 2025 or 3 September 2025.
When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.
The Salary for the role is Grade 6, £65,090 per annum.
If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Human Resources
-
Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Somerset Council by 2x
Get notified about new Human Resources Business Partner jobs in Taunton, England, United Kingdom.
Senior Regional Human Resources Business Partner
South West, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Bridgwater, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Yeovil, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Farringdon, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Yeovil, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Leadership and Talent Development Advisor – 31407
Bridgwater, England, United Kingdom 44 minutes ago
Taunton, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Leadership and Talent Development Advisor – 31407
Clyst Honiton, England, United Kingdom 45 minutes ago
East Devon, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Strategic HR Business Partner employer: Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Somerset Council's People Strategy and current HR initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Somerset Council, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can help you position yourself as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive cultural change and improve employee engagement. Be ready to discuss these in detail during your interview to illustrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the three directorates you'll be working with: Resources, Strategy and Transformation, and Finance and Procurement. Understanding their unique challenges and how HR can support them will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR leadership, particularly in cultural change and strategic HR initiatives. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and implement HR strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for improving employee experiences and driving organisational performance. Address how your qualifications align with the requirements of the Strategic HR Business Partner role at Somerset Council.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree and any HR qualifications, such as MCIPD. Emphasise your experience in large organisations and your understanding of HR principles and best practices.
Explain Employment Gaps: If there are gaps in your employment history, be sure to explain them in your application. This shows transparency and helps the hiring team understand your career journey better.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the key responsibilities of a Strategic HR Business Partner. Familiarise yourself with the specific directorates you'll be working with and think about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare Examples of Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in strategic HR leadership roles. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive cultural change, manage complex employee relations cases, and implement effective HR initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of HR Best Practices
During the interview, highlight your understanding of HR principles and best practices. Discuss how you've applied these in past roles, particularly in large and complex organisations, to show that you can bring valuable insights to Somerset Council.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the council's People Strategy and how they envision the role contributing to their goals. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
