HR Manager – AR

Job Details

HR Manager

Directorate: Finance
Division: HR Professional Services
Grade: PO6
Reports to: Deputy Head of HR

Job Purpose

To provide expert HR advice and support to senior managers and leaders across the Council, delivering high-quality employee relations, HR policy, organisational change and workforce solutions.

The HR Manager will lead and support HR advisers, manage complex and high-risk employee relations matters, and contribute to the Council’s Workforce Strategy and wider people priorities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide expert HR advice to Heads of Service, Assistant Directors, Headteachers and Governing Bodies.
  • Lead complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence and Employment Tribunal matters.
  • Advise and support managers through organisational change, restructures, redundancy and TUPE processes.
  • Develop, review and implement HR policies in line with employment legislation and best practice.
  • Lead HR projects and policy reviews, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and timely delivery.
  • Work collaboratively with trade unions, employee representatives and senior stakeholders.
  • Analyse workforce and employee relations data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
  • Support the implementation of the Council’s Workforce Strategy and People Strategy.
  • Manage, coach and develop HR advisers, overseeing workload, performance and case allocation.
  • Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across HR policies and practices.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law, HR best practice and emerging legislation.
  • Deputise for the Deputy Head of HR when required and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the HR service.

Key Skills & Experience

  • Fully CIPD qualified or equivalent, with significant HR experience.
  • Strong experience of complex employee relations and organisational change.
  • Knowledge of employment law, TUPE and Employment Tribunal processes.
  • Experience developing and implementing HR policies and leading HR projects.
  • Experience working with senior managers, trade unions and employee representatives.
  • Strong leadership, influencing, negotiation and communication skills.
  • Ability to analyse HR data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
  • Excellent organisation, prioritisation and project management skills.
  • Ability to manage and develop professional HR teams.