Job Title: HR Business Partner
Location: Essex (with hybrid working across two council sites)
Pay Rate: £24.75 per hour
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary for 6 months

Are you an experienced HR professional ready to step into a strategic business partnering role within a forward-thinking and collaborative public sector environment?

We're delighted to be supporting a respected local authority partnership in the search for a HR Business Partner to join their People & OD team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference-working across two councils to deliver effective, people-focused HR solutions that align with wider organisational change and strategic development.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Service Manager - People & OD, you will act as a trusted HR advisor to senior leaders and managers, playing a key role in both strategic initiatives and complex operational matters. You'll also deputise for the Service Manager when needed, providing leadership representation at internal and external forums.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver expert advice on the full spectrum of HR issues, including case management, employee relations, organisational change, and TUPE.
• Lead and contribute to corporate HR projects and OD initiatives that drive efficiency and engagement.
• Develop, review and embed HR policies and training in line with best practice and current employment legislation.
• Maintain a proactive presence across both partner councils to ensure continuity, consistency, and resilience of HR service delivery.
• Line manage and support the development of a HR Officer and oversee accurate payroll processing.
• Support equality, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, wellbeing, employee engagement, and digital process improvement.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Organisational Development strategy and workforce priorities across the councils.

About You:

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent experience) with a strong commitment to CPD.
• Demonstrable experience in a HR Business Partner or Senior HR Advisor capacity, ideally within the public sector or a unionised environment.
• Confident in leading complex employee relations cases, delivering training, and managing change initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, with the ability to translate this into practical, people-focused solutions.
• A skilled communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
• Flexible to work across both council locations, with occasional evening or regional travel commitments.

Why Apply?

• Be part of a collaborative and supportive People & OD team making a real organisational impact.
• Lead meaningful HR and OD change in a values-led public service.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a varied, engaging workload.
• Develop your professional skills and contribute to a service committed to continuous improvement.

Interested in leading HR innovation and supporting organisational change in the public sector?
Apply today or contact one of our consultants to find out more.