Job Title: HR Change Lead (Strategic & Enabling HR)
Location: Dorchester (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Temporary (Up to 12 months)
Hours: Full time or part time (minimum 21 hours per week - flexible and can accommodate school hours)
Salary: 22.85 to 26.06 per hour (DOE)
About Us
Connect2Dorset is the managed service provider for Dorset Council, delivering high-quality temporary, contract, and interim staffing solutions. We pride ourselves on being an ethical, transparent, and people-focused organisation, committed to supporting both our clients and candidates.
Dorset Council is mid-transformation. Our Future Council programme is reshaping how the organisation works, and phase two brings increasing complexity. This is a pivotal time to join and make a meaningful impact.
About the Role
We are recruiting an experienced HR Change Lead to play a central role in delivering people-focused organisational change as part of phase two of the Our Future Council transformation programme.
This is a strategic and enabling HR role, working at the heart of complex, organisation-wide change. You will partner closely with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and colleagues across OD and Change to ensure change is delivered effectively, with people at the centre.
You will lead on a range of people change activities, including restructures, and provide both strategic and operational HR expertise. This role offers significant visibility across the council and the opportunity to influence real decisions that directly impact services and employees.
Working Arrangements
Hybrid working model
Typically office attendance around once per fortnight
Increased on-site presence required during June due to key meetings and programme activity
Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver people-focused change initiatives, including organisational restructures
Provide expert strategic and operational HR advice to senior leaders and stakeholders
Partner with HR Business Partners and senior management to support complex change programmes
Work collaboratively with OD and Change teams to deliver joined-up, flexible solutions
Support and guide managers through change processes with clarity and confidence
Ensure robust governance and compliance throughout all change activity
Lead on complex employee relations matters linked to organisational change
Build and maintain positive, constructive relationships with recognised Trade Unions
Contribute to the successful delivery of phase two of the transformation programme
Skills & Experience
CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
Strong, up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
Proven experience leading complex organisational change and employee relations casework
Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
Strong judgement, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels
A calm, clear, and confident approach in complex or ambiguous situations
Highly collaborative, adaptable, and able to work at pace
Experience working in large, complex organisations or public sector environments is desirable
What's in it for You
Opportunity to work on a high-profile, live transformation programme
Exposure to a wide range of services across the council
Meaningful work with direct impact on people and organisational outcomes
Access to experienced colleagues and ongoing development opportunities
Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and adaptable hours
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.