HR Services Strategic Lead

Position: HR Services Strategic Lead - 6 month fixed term contract
Your new organisation Values-driven public sector organisation committed to delivering high‑quality services to its communities. You’ll be part of a collaborative, progressive People Directorate focused on building a positive, inclusive culture and supporting managers and teams through expert HR practice. Your new role HR Service Strategic Lead, Gloucester based organisation, hybrid working - only apply to this role if you are able to commute to Gloucester AND have solid experience the below.

The role offers the opportunity to influence meaningful change and drive best practice. You will shape and deliver a high‑performing, future‑focused People Service with an emphasis on positive Employee Relations. You’ll be providing strategic direction while leading a team. The role involves leading the HR Services Team, both operationally and strategically, working to drive performance through coaching and development, and fostering a positive employee relations culture.

What you'll need to succeed This opportunity will suit an HR professional with significant senior HR experience, including managing people. Ideally, you have worked within a complex organisation, preferably public sector and /or unionised environments. Strong expertise in Employee Relations, including complex casework management and ET experience. Proven leadership of HR teams, with the ability to build capability, drive performance and inspire a positive culture.

Demonstrable experience in organisational change, policy development and service improvement. Ability to interpret legislation, national policy and workforce trends, using insight to shape strategic priorities.

Experience of working collaboratively with senior leaders, unions and system-wide stakeholders. Ability to coach and empower managers, enabling confident and consistent people management. Ideally, you will have a professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD) o r equivalent experience. What you'll get in return Full range of benefits available including:
Generous annual leave. Excellent family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay. Competitive pension scheme with life assurance and inflation protection. Flexible working options supporting a strong work–life balance. Wellbeing support, including Occupational Health, self‑referral physio, and free onsite health checks. Lifestyle and financial perks, such as NHS retail discounts, discounted food, cycle‑to‑work, and salary‑sacrifice car schemes. Strong culture of recognition and development, including structured CPD, awards, and values‑based recognition.

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.

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