Job Introduction
Are you a senior HR professional who enjoys working where people, culture and change come together? Do you like combining strategic influence with getting stuck into day-to-day HR leadership — and want a role where you can really shape how an organisation works?
We’re looking for a Senior HR Manager to play a key role in our HR & Organisational Development team.
About the role
This is a senior HR leadership role with real opportunity to make an impact. You’ll help shape and deliver a modern, customer-focused and values-driven HR service.
As Deputy to the Head of HR & OD, you’ll be a visible leader across the full range of HR activity — from complex employee relations and operational HR, through to workforce planning, culture and organisational change. You’ll lead our HR Business Partnering and HR Operations teams, making sure managers and employees get consistent, high-quality support that helps both day-to-day performance and long-term improvement.
You’ll also play a leading role in delivering the people and culture aspects of our Organisation Improvement Plan, helping to embed new ways of working and making sure change is inclusive, well-managed and built to last.
What you’ll be doing
- Acting as a trusted deputy to the Head of HR & OD, helping ensure continuity and confidence across the service
- Leading, supporting and developing the HR Business Partnering and HR Operations teams
- Providing senior input on complex employee relations, policy and employment law matters
- Improving HR systems, processes and the overall experience for our customers
- Working closely with senior leaders on organisational design, workforce planning and change programmes
- Using workforce data and insight to support decisions and show impact
- Championing equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do
About you
You’ll be a confident, resilient and collaborative HR leader who’s comfortable working at senior level and trusted to give clear, professional advice.
You’ll bring:
- Chartered CIPD membership (Level 7) or equivalent experience
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of employment law, employee relations and HR operations
- Experience leading HR teams in a complex organisation
- A track record of delivering HR change or improvement work
- The confidence to challenge, influence and support senior leaders
- A data-informed approach, balanced with empathy and strong people leadership
Experience in the public sector or a similarly regulated environment would be a real advantage.
Why join us?
This is a great opportunity to:
- Play a key leadership role in a forward-thinking HR & OD service
- Shape organisational culture and ways of working
- Lead and develop a talented team of HR professionals
- Make a real difference to how people experience work
If you’re motivated by making an impact, working collaboratively and leading with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note: shortlisting will take place in early January. We encourage early applications, as the role may close early due to high interest.
About the Company
Our Offer
Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
- 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
- Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England
The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
The salary for this role is £63,685 - £69,665. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.
Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.
From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.
