Workforce Planning & Talent Officer in Stoke-on-Trent

This is an exciting time to join the team as we transform the way we deliver HR services across the council. Our Workforce Service is seeking a Workforce Planning & Talent Officer to identify, develop and deliver plans to support talent management, attraction and retention of employees, succession planning, learning and development and career development in line with the council's vision, to deliver a collaborative approach to key priorities and values.

You will be a Learning & Development/Workforce/HR professional with a relevant professional qualification e.g. CIPD Level 5 qualification with knowledge and understanding of different approaches to workforce planning, with substantial hands-on experience in workforce planning and development solutions.

• To work with all service areas and Senior HR Business Partners to contribute to the provision of a strategic workforce planning service, working alongside managers and relevant HR metrics to understand their present and future needs and support them to develop and implement effective workforce planning solutions.
• To work with the Organisational Development & Talent Manager and the Workforce Analyst to provide effective HR metrics that ensure an evidence-based approach to workforce planning.
• To work with the Learning and Development Business Partner to ensure learning and development activities are aligned to any identified skills gaps.
• To work with the Recruitment Manager to ensure resourcing gaps are aligned to the Recruitment Strategy for the Council.
• Working with the Workforce Analyst to monitor relevant metrics and benchmarks that proactively diagnose and address key workforce trends across the organisation.
• Create meaningful and measurable early careers opportunities, including work placements (work experience and t-levels), and attendance at careers events.
• Work with the HR Business Partners to deliver talent identification process as part of performance management to support succession planning.

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it is about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.

• To contribute to the analysis and evaluation of workforce planning solutions in order to inform future strategies and plans.
• To ensure that advice and solutions are informed by a focus on cost effectiveness and efficiency to enable service improvements and deliver financial targets.
• To represent the directorate in local, regional and national initiatives.
• To support the wider team as necessary, e.g. by providing appropriate one to one feedback using appropriate coaching, mentoring and assessment centres (for example OPQs).
• To collect, analyse and maintain data gathered to inform targeted development (e.g., succession planning).
• To develop effective strategies for identifying skills gaps within the workforce.

• To manage and use resources effectively and efficiently.
• To network with external contacts to maintain levels of professional expertise and facilitate joint working.
• To work collaboratively with all key stakeholders to develop existing practices and proactively as required, to promote and deliver initiatives for new and more efficient use of resources.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues within HR and in other Directorates to ensure that requests for workforce data, such as the production and provision of statutory returns, is well planned and effectively delivered.

• To establish and maintain effective relationships with managers and front-line staff.
• To ensure effective communication and liaison across the Workforce function to enable a coordinated approach to service delivery.
• To provide challenge and constructive feedback in a manner that enhances service delivery.
• To actively promote and articulate the use and benefits of strategic workforce planning and talent approaches.
• Motivate and inspire managers and staff to engage in development and leadership opportunities that will support individual and organisational needs.
• To develop and maintain an external professional network to keep abreast of innovative ideas and stay up to date with best practice and incorporate them into our ways of working.

• To promote diversity and ensure that all Council initiatives, policies and processes are inclusive and equitable for all.
• To promote a culture and supporting framework of continual learning that enables performance improvement and transformational change.
• To work with managers to devise and deliver workforce planning solutions which embed the principles and values of the City Council and associated behaviours.
• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the post.

• Be a Learning & Development/Workforce/HR professional with a relevant professional qualification e.g. CIPD Level 5 qualification or the ability to work towards CIPD qualification.

• Have knowledge and understanding of different approaches to workforce planning.
• Substantial hands-on experience in workforce planning and development.
• Experience of planning and delivering effective and sustainable workforce planning and development solutions.
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced work environment and delivering results in a cross-functional team setting.
• Report writing and training techniques.
• Proven track record of providing professional outcome-focused organisational development advice to senior managers.
• IT literate with ability to use Microsoft Office packages and learning management systems and understand financial data.
• Ability to organise and prioritise a varied and flexible workload.
• Demonstrate supportive and constructive feedback techniques.
• Proven highly developed influencing and persuasive skills as evidenced by convincing managers of a particular course of action to achieve a desired result.
• Create a credible, collaborative and consultative style to communicate with a broad range of managers, employees and other stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
• Work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate and role model effective behaviours, values and leadership qualities.

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working.