R2R Employee Relations Lead

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities.

The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Are you an experienced HR professional looking to make a real impact? If so, Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking for a People & Employee Relations Lead to join us on a part-time (30 hours) and fixed term contract basis (until 30 April 2027)

As our People & Employee Relations Lead, you'll provide strategic HR support across the Council, partnering with senior leaders to deliver workforce planning, organisational change and people-focused solutions that drive service excellence. You'll lead on complex employee relations matters which may include disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance, redundancy, TUPE, ET case work, while supporting major transformation programmes, restructures and workforce redesign initiatives.

You will help managers navigate change, minimise risk and create positive employee experiences. You will work collaboratively with Trade Unions and key stakeholders to shape the Council's workforce and support the delivery of our People & Organisation Strategy.

This is a highly visible role where your expertise, judgement and ability to influence at senior levels will make a genuine difference to our people, services and communities.

You will be CIPD Level 7 qualified (or equivalent experience) with significant experience operating at a senior HR Business Partner, People Partner or Employee Relations level.

You'll bring extensive experience managing complex employee relations cases, leading organisational change and providing expert advice to senior stakeholders. A strong understanding of employment law, workforce planning and organisational development is essential, alongside excellent influencing, communication and stakeholder management skills.

We're looking for someone who can build credibility quickly, provide pragmatic solutions and confidently support leaders through change. Experience working in local government or a complex public sector environment, including partnership working with Trade Unions, would be highly advantageous.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?"

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The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.