Senior HR Business Partner jobs

Full Time 37 hours per week

Do it for Devon. Do it for your career. Do it for our people.

This is an opportunity to take on a senior People & Culture leadership role at the heart of one of the largest and most diverse organisations in the region. We are looking for an experienced and influential Head of HR Business Partnering to lead our HR Business Partner function and help us make sure our people and workforce are equipped to meet the changing needs of Devon and its communities.

You will lead and develop a team of HR Business Partners, creating a strong, consistent, and forward-looking partnering approach across the Council. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will also collaborate directly with senior leaders within an area of the organisation, developing a deep understanding of their priorities and turning workforce challenges into practical, strategic solutions.

Do it for our people

Our workforce is at the heart of everything we deliver for Devon.

This role gives you the opportunity to influence how we build the capacity, capability, and agility of our workforce, collaborating with Directors and senior leaders to identify critical workforce issues and develop approaches that support organisational priorities, transformation, and new ways of working. You will be a trusted and credible strategic partner, able to see the bigger picture whilst turning strategy into action. Whether it is workforce planning, organisational change, skills and capability, talent, performance or responding to emerging workforce challenges, you will help our leaders find solutions which make a tangible difference.

Do it with impact

This is not a role that sits on the side-lines.

You will build strong relationships across the organisation, providing professional challenge, insight and advice to senior leaders and helping connect their priorities with the wider expertise available across People & Culture. As the leader of our Business Partnering function, you will also support and develop our HR Business Partners, creating an environment where professional practice, collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement can thrive.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• significant senior-level HR Business Partnering experience
• experience of developing workforce strategies and solutions within a large and complex organisation
• strong leadership skills and a successful track record of managing and developing people
• the credibility and confidence to influence Directors, senior leaders and other key stakeholders
• excellent judgement, communication, and relationship-building skills
• the ability to translate strategic objectives into clear, practical action
• a strong understanding of modern HR and workforce challenges
• CIPD or another relevant postgraduate professional qualification, or equivalent suitable experience.

Do it your way, with the visibility that leadership needs

We embrace hybrid working and recognise the value of flexibility. At the same time, this is a highly visible leadership and relationship-focused role. To lead the Business Partner team effectively and build trusted relationships with the services you support, we expect you to work on site in Devon for around 2 to 3 days each week, alongside working remotely where appropriate.

Do it for Devon

Few organisations offer the breadth, complexity, and opportunity for impact that you will find here. You will be helping shape workforce solutions that ultimately support the services relied upon by communities across Devon, whilst leading a key part of our People & Culture function. If you are an experienced HR leader who enjoys operating strategically, developing people, building trusted relationships, and turning complex workforce challenges into meaningful action, we would love to hear from you.

Do it for your career. Do it for our people. Do it for Devon.

Our offer to you

Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.

For an informal discussion please contact Charlotte Halliday on 01392 383000.

How to apply  

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.  

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.  

Please click Apply Now to see further information.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages. 
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.  
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. 
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. 
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. 
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). 

Reference: REQ010670

Pay: £60,234.00 per year

Work Location: In person