Our client, a specialist research organisation, is undergoing a period of change and transformation. As such, we are seeking an experienced Strategic HR Professional who has a strong background of undertaking a range of organisational change, shaping workforce strategy to manage the transition to a new model structure and as such, will have a contract through to March 2027 and likely longer. You will work with senior leaders across the organisation, HR colleagues and external partners to shape workforce strategy, manage change and drive organisational resilience. Key responsibilities Lead strategic workforce planning, resourcing and talent initiatives Support the transition to a new structure Provide expert advice on: Workforce planning and reporting Retention, succession planning and talent management Organisational design and change management TUPE, redundancy and people risk management Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across and partner organisations Advise and report to senior leadership teams, Directors and governance groups. Use workforce data and insights to inform decision-making and future planning Lead and improve people policies, procedures and services Promote best practice, innovation and continuous improvement Support and guide the people services team on complex and sensitive issues. Candidates Were seeking an experienced HR professional – Senior HR Business Partner / HR Manager or similar Extensive experience in organisational change, workforce planning, resourcing or organisational development Strong HR knowledge, ideally CIPD qualified or working towards it Qualification or equivalent experience at Level 7 (e.g. Master’s, PG Dip/Cert) Proven experience managing significant change programmes including organisational design, restructures, redundancy and TYPE in/out. Confidently advising senior leaders on complex people matters Strong workforce data analysis skills and ability to turn insight into action Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills Comfortable handling sensitive and emotive conversations Able to work independently with minimal supervision Desirable Experience or knowledge of TUPE Experience in healthcare, research, academic or public sector environments The Offer Based in Southampton – 1–2 days per week / Hybrid An interim contract via Hays start ASAP – through to March 2027. Full time – 37 hours £28.28 to £35.75 including holiday pay, PAYE / upto £40.40 umbrella company - Hays online Time sheets If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk