At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of our workforce and communities as a Strategic HR Business Partner.
- Company: Join Cumberland Council, a progressive and ambitious organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to influence strategic priorities.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on organisational culture and workforce strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and ability to influence senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 65872 - 68775 £ per year.
Location: Cumberland Wide (Hybrid working)
Contract: Permanent
Join Cumberland Council at a pivotal stage in our journey and play a leading role in shaping the future of our workforce, services and communities. We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking Strategic HR Business Partner to join our HR/OD Senior Management Team. This is a high-profile and influential leadership role requiring a highly credible HR professional with significant experience of operating at a strategic level, influencing senior leaders and delivering complex organisational change.
Working closely with Directors, Directorate Leadership Teams and colleagues across HR/OD, you will provide trusted advice, strategic insight and innovative people solutions that support organisational priorities and help deliver lasting benefits for the communities we serve.
About the role
As a key member of the HR/OD Senior Management Team, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the Council's people agenda, ensuring workforce strategies, organisational development activity and transformation programmes contribute directly to the delivery of corporate and service priorities. Working collaboratively with senior colleagues across HR/OD, you will help develop integrated and sustainable solutions to workforce and organisational challenges, bringing together expertise from across the service to deliver the greatest impact for our customers, workforce and communities.
You will act as a trusted adviser, strategic partner and change leader, supporting Directors and senior leaders through complex workforce issues, organisational transformation, service redesign and cultural change. Combining strategic thinking with pragmatic delivery, you will influence decision-making, provide professional challenge and help leaders navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.
This role requires an individual with the professional credibility, leadership experience and strategic capability to make an immediate contribution, providing expert support across a broad portfolio of workforce and organisational priorities.
Who we’re looking for
You will be an experienced HR leader with a proven track record of operating successfully at a senior strategic level within a large, complex and politically aware organisation. You will bring:
- Significant senior-level HR Business Partnering experience, working directly with senior leaders and leadership teams to shape organisational and workforce strategy.
- Demonstrable experience of leading large-scale organisational change, transformation, service redesign and cultural development programmes.
- A strong track record of influencing strategic decision-making and delivering measurable organisational outcomes through people-focused interventions.
- Extensive experience of managing complex employee relations matters and working effectively with Trade Unions in challenging environments.
- Exceptional relationship-building, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, support and constructively challenge senior leaders.
- Strong commercial, organisational and political awareness, coupled with sound professional judgement.
- A collaborative leadership style and commitment to working collectively to deliver high-quality, customer-focused services.
- The ability to operate with confidence, resilience and credibility in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Why join us?
There is a real opportunity to make a difference at Cumberland Council. As one of the newest councils in the country, we are continuing to shape our organisation, strengthen our culture and deliver ambitious plans for our workforce and communities. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic priorities, shape organisational culture and play a key role in delivering lasting change across the Council.
You will join a progressive and ambitious HR/OD leadership team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, where your expertise, insight and leadership will directly influence the future direction of the organisation.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: Monday, 31st August 2026
Interview date: w/c Monday, 14th September 2026 (in person, Carlisle)
If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team.
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Join us
If you are an established strategic HR professional who thrives in complex environments, can influence at the highest levels and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver meaningful organisational and workforce outcomes, we would welcome your application.
Strategic HR Business Partner - CMB2617e in England employer: The Cumbria County Council
Cumbria County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. As a Lighting Engineer in the picturesque Lake District, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on local communities through innovative lighting solutions.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Business Partner - CMB2617e in England
✨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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic HR Business Partner - CMB2617e in England
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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
