At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team providing HR support and advice to staff and managers.
- Company: Southwark Council, dedicated to serving over 300,000 residents in central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on service excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while enhancing your HR leadership skills.
- Qualifications: HR qualified professional with strong people management and operational HR expertise.
The predicted salary is between 50175 - 57495 £ per year.
At the heart of central London, Southwark Council provides services needed and valued by the over 300,000 people who call Southwark home. As a Council, we place our residents at the center of everything we do and provide high-quality services across all sectors we work in. With London's largest local authority Council-owned housing stock and ambitious neighbourhood regeneration plans, we need a staff group motivated to deliver for our residents.
To support our over 5,000 strong staff group, we have an HR and Organisation Development team who are there to support our staff and managers deliver.
What You'll Be Doing
As HR Service Delivery Team Manager, you will be leading and developing a team of HR assistants and advisors providing first line enquiry responses to staff and managers, including giving first line HR advice to managers. You will also ensure that the team processes all employee life cycle transaction work against internal KPIs. You will manage the team’s day-to-day operations, oversee work allocation and service standards, and support the delivery of transactional HR processes linked to the employee lifecycle. You will also act as the team’s subject matter expert, providing professional guidance on policy, recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, and wider operational HR matters. The role has a strong focus on service quality, performance management and continuous improvement. You will design and monitor service standards and KPIs, maintain the integrity of HR records and establishment data, support payroll and pensions processes, and help ensure the council’s SAP SuccessFactors system is used effectively to support service delivery. This is a role for someone who combines strong people management with operational excellence, customer focus and a practical understanding of HR and payroll administration in a complex organisation.
What We're Looking For
- HR qualified professional who enjoys operating in high workload volume area against hard deadlines such as input into the monthly payroll.
- Driven and focused on providing high-quality customer service to all, along with looking to constantly develop the team to enhance service delivery.
- Leadership experience: A strong track record of managing and developing teams, setting clear expectations and supporting high performance.
- Operational HR expertise: Experience of delivering HR advisory and administrative services across the employee lifecycle in a complex organisation.
- Service improvement capability: The ability to review and improve processes, develop performance measures and drive service excellence.
- HR and payroll knowledge: A good understanding of HR operations, payroll support processes and the importance of accurate, timely and compliant service delivery.
- Systems knowledge: Experience of working with HR systems and data, ideally including SAP SuccessFactors or similar platforms.
- Professional judgement: The ability to provide high-level, non-routine advice on HR policy, recruitment and terms and conditions.
- Data accuracy and compliance: Strong attention to detail and a clear understanding of confidentiality, data protection and record management requirements.
- Customer focus: A commitment to delivering responsive, high-quality services that meet the needs of managers, employees and internal stakeholders.
Recruitment Timetable
- Application Closing Date: 05/07/2026
- Interview: 21/07/2026
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
The role is based in the Council central London (SE1) head office. While the team operate on a hybrid working model, this managerial role will be primarily on-site, with occasional remote working.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £50,175 - £57,495
HR Service Delivery Team Manager employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer located in the heart of central London, dedicated to providing high-quality services to over 300,000 residents. With a strong commitment to employee development and a diverse work culture, we offer our staff opportunities for growth and professional advancement while fostering an inclusive environment. Our HR Service Delivery Team Manager role not only focuses on operational excellence but also prioritises service quality and continuous improvement, making it a rewarding position for those passionate about making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Service Delivery Team Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Southwark Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Southwark Council.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Service Delivery Team Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Southwark Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Southwark Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Southwark Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Southwark Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Southwark Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Southwark Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Southwark Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
