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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives and transform operations for a vibrant local authority.
- Company: Southend-on-Sea City Council, dedicated to exceptional services and community impact.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and hybrid work options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR while making a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: CIPD-qualified with extensive HR strategy and transformation experience.
- Other info: Join a progressive team with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend-on-Sea City Council is a progressive local authority dedicated to delivering exceptional services and driving meaningful change for its residents, businesses and communities. The Council continues to invest in ambitious projects that keep Southend-on-Sea vibrant and firmly on the map.
Your new role
This is a pivotal leadership role within the senior leadership team reporting to the Head of People & Organisation Culture. You’ll play a critical role in helping to shape and deliver the Council’s transformation programme, leading strategic initiatives across HR Operations, Payroll, Pensions, Data and Talent. Your remit includes ensuring services are efficient, customer‑focused and aligned with organisational priorities. The role also carries responsibility for managing a budget of approximately £1.25 million, leading a large team and delivering an income target of around £210 k. This position offers an exceptional platform for ambitious professionals seeking to broaden their strategic and operational expertise and progress toward future Head or Director‑level opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement the Council’s new Front Door HR service desk, driving digital enablement and automation.
- Transform Payroll and Pensions into a strategic enabler of employee experience and organisational effectiveness.
- Leverage data and analytics to inform decisions and create a People dashboard using AI.
- Oversee resourcing and talent strategies including senior recruitment campaigns and options appraisal for future delivery models.
- Act as product owner for HR elements of the ERP transformation programme.
- Build strong partnerships with senior leaders, trade unions and external stakeholders.
What you’ll need to succeed
You’ll be CIPD‑qualified with extensive experience in HR strategy, talent management and transformation within a large complex organisation, ideally within the public sector. As a recognised thought leader you will influence best practice, shape innovative solutions and drive forward‑thinking approaches to people strategy. Your ability to lead change, embrace technology and foster high‑performing teams will be critical. Strong communication skills, political awareness and a collaborative approach are essential. Payroll and pensions leadership experience will also be highly advantageous.
What you’ll get in return
They offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days annual leave, flexible working options and a generous pension. This is a hybrid role, giving you the flexibility to work from home while spending around two days a week in the office.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role please contact Louisa London at Hays – Senior HR Recruitment, Essex & East Anglia for more information. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above, so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. All applicants for this role will require a DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Key Skills
- Employee Evaluation
- Continuous Improvement
- FDA Regulations
- Management Experience
- Process Improvement
- Profit & Loss
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership Experience
- P&L Management
- Supervising Experience
Employment Type: Contract
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
R2R11 Senior Strategic Lead Operations and Talent in Southend-on-Sea employer: Southend-on-Sea City Council
Contact Detail:
Southend-on-Sea City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R11 Senior Strategic Lead Operations and Talent in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector or HR field. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people from Southend-on-Sea City Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their transformation programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace R2R11 Senior Strategic Lead Operations and Talent in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight your HR strategy, talent management, and transformation experience, especially in complex organisations like the public sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this pivotal leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've led change and embraced technology in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to lead high-performing teams and manage budgets effectively. We want to see how you’ve influenced best practices and driven innovative solutions in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southend-on-Sea City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the role. Familiarise yourself with the Council’s transformation programme and how your experience in HR strategy and talent management can contribute to it. This will show that you’re not just interested, but genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing large teams and budgets. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led change initiatives in the past, particularly in complex organisations. This is crucial for a senior role like this one.
✨Embrace Technology
Since the role involves driving digital enablement and automation, be prepared to discuss your experience with technology in HR. Share specific instances where you’ve leveraged data and analytics to inform decisions or improve processes. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your ability to build strong partnerships with stakeholders. Think of examples where you’ve collaborated with senior leaders or trade unions to achieve common goals. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in a public sector environment.