Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council
Vacancy reference
ECR000619
Salary
Grade 13, £51,356 to £55,601.44 per annum (2026-27 pay award pending)
Hours
37 hours a week
Contract
Permanent
Location
Castle House , Newcastle-under-Lyme
About The Role
Reporting to the Service Director for Strategy, People and Performance, you will lead the operational HR service and provide strategic and pragmatic people advice across the organisation. You will play a key role in shaping workforce planning, organisational development, employee relations and policy development while supporting the Council's preparations for and transition through Local Government Reorganisation. Leading a dedicated People Team, you will ensure the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused HR service, whilst developing the capability, confidence and resilience of your team during a period of significant change.
What We're Looking For
- Holds a CIPD Level 5 qualification as a minimum (Level 7 preferable)
- Has experience of leading HR teams and delivering operational excellence.
- Has significant experience of organisational change programmes, restructures and workforce transformation.
- Has practical experience managing TUPE transfers and complex employee relations matters.
- Is confident working in partnership with trade unions and employee representatives.
- Can balance strategic thinking with a hands-on, pragmatic approach.
- Is flexible, adaptable and resilient, able to respond effectively to changing priorities and emerging challenges.
- Builds strong relationships, influences at all levels and communicates with credibility and empathy.
- Is motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future workforce of a changing local government landscape. Local government experience and an understanding of NJC terms and conditions would be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
- Play a central role in one of the most significant organisational changes the Council has experienced.
- Lead and develop a talented People Team.
- Influence strategic workforce decisions during Local Government Reorganisation.
- Work closely with senior leaders, elected members and trade union colleagues.
- Help create a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture for the future.
Why work for us?
Newcastle-under-Lyme is a borough with big ambitions. We've already started our transformation, however, we still need to find better ways of doing things because we are determined to do the very best we can for our communities.
If our vision is to be the best, then we need the best people working for us. Our people are at the heart of what we do and have the freedom to innovate, grow and develop. We recruit people who share our vision and values; people who have the drive to deliver our ambitious Council plan.
Our historic borough is a place of marked contrasts. We are the home of a world class University at Keele, a leading light known internationally for its research and sustainability record, which stands side by side with former mining communities including some which register amongst the most deprived areas in the country. Our Borough is also a mixture of urban centres, affected by some of the same social issues facing our neighbouring city, Stoke-on-Trent, but also outstanding rural landscapes in our less populated villages. Our plans and priorities aim to address the needs of all our communities.
Our People Offer
We reward our people with a competitive range of benefits including;
- access to the local government pension scheme
- minimum 24 days annual leave plus 5 extra days after 5 years' service
- flexible working options and family friendly policies
- local and national high street discounts
- free car parking
- wellbeing support including £12.50 per month Jubilee2 membership
- green travel scheme including cycle to work and electric car salary sacrifice
- free employee 24 hour employee assistance and counselling services, flu vaccination service and health checks
- development and training opportunities
Contact
Georgina Evans-Stadward Georgina.Evans-Stadward@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk
Closing date
5pm on Sunday, 16 Aug 2026
Should we receive a large number of applications, then this post could close sooner than the date stated.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.
Interview date
Friday 4 September 2026
While we value diverse backgrounds and experiences, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be able to prove they have the Right to Work in the U.K.
People Business Manager employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
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