Join Us as an HR Business Partner
We’re looking for two strategic and people-focused HR Business Partners to join our People & Culture team. This is a key role where you’ll work closely with senior leaders to shape and deliver people strategies that support the Council’s priorities and make a real difference to our workforce and community.
About the Role
As an HR Business Partner, you’ll act as a trusted advisor to directorates and service leaders, helping to translate strategic plans into effective people solutions. You’ll lead on change initiatives, support employee relations, and use data to drive decision‑making and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Do
* Partner with senior leaders to develop and implement people plans aligned with Council objectives.
* Provide expert advice on employee relations, performance, and engagement.
* Lead and support organisational change and workforce planning.
* Use data and analytics to inform decisions and track progress.
* Coach and mentor managers to build capability and confidence.
* Ensure compliance with employment law and HR best practice.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone with:
* Proven experience in HR business partnering, ideally in a unionised or public sector setting.
* Strong influencing and relationship‑building skills at senior levels.
* Confidence in managing change, conflict, and complex HR issues.
* CIPD Chartered status or equivalent experience.
* A passion for enabling others and delivering high standards of service.
Why Work With Us?
You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team committed to transforming how we support our people. We offer:
* A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
* Opportunities for professional development.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* The chance to contribute to meaningful public service outcomes
What we can offer you
Salary: The salary band for this role is £47,181 - £51,357. The starting salary is £47,181 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.
* Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution
* Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
* Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
* Flexible working options (role‑dependent)
* Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
* Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
* Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
* Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
* Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
* Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
* Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
* Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For further information on our benefits package please visit
Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
Contact details for informal discussion:
For further information and details regarding the role please contact Paula Ward at paula.ward@southampton.gov.uk
Recruitment contact details:
Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council.
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