HR Business Partner

We are looking to welcome a new member of our HR leadership team. This is a critical time for the Council, in light of substantial financial pressures, a need for significant workforce change and with a new Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer starting in the New Year. You will initially lead HR support to our Children’s and Education directorate and schools as well as contributing to wider council culture change.

The Role:

In this role, you will work closely with senior leaders and other key stakeholders to design and deliver HR strategies that support the needs of the directorate and the wider council. You will offer expert advice, promoting a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Leading a small consultancy team, your oversight will ensure high and consistent standards in employee relations and a collaborative approach across both HR and the council.

Key Job Outcomes:

• Build strong professional working relationships with clients, colleagues, trade unions and staff-led groups.
• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, helping senior leaders make informed decisions and promote best practice in people management.
• Support the implementation of change management, using data and research to inform strategic direction.
• Engage with leaders to drive equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts, working to create an inclusive workforce.
• Support and challenge in leadership discussions, sometimes in face of significant resistance, to improve decision-making.
• Coach and influence senior leaders to consider the ethical impact of their decisions, taking a visible lead in solving employee relations and ethical dilemmas.

Skills and Attributes:

• Chartered MCIPD or equivalent expertise.
• Extensive experience in a senior local authority HR role, managing complex employee relations, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution.
• Proactive and strategic mindset, with the ability to foresee and tackle potential issues.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and develop your team, while managing performance and accountability.
• In depth understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and a track record of enhancing inclusivity within organisations.
• Experience using data and digital tools to support decision-making and service improvement.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. We offer flexible working arrangements and are open to job-sharing opportunities. This role does require regular on-site attendance at the Council's offices in Bristol.

So, If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for driving HR excellence and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-performing environment, we would love to hear from you.