Strategic HR Business Partner

About the job

Key information

• This is a new senior HR leadership opportunity playing a vital role, equivalent to a Head of HR level, for three directorates (Resources, Strategy and Transformation, Finance and Procurement and the Chief Executive’s Office)
• Leading the creation and delivery of Directorate Workforce Plans to drive cultural change and a great employee experience
• 33 days annual leave plus opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Permanent position with Hybrid working (2-3 days a week onsite in Taunton)

What will I be doing?

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. As one of four Strategic HR Business Partners at Somerset Council, you will be the lead professional HR&OD advisor to three directorates in the Council, with c1000 employees. You will have a key role in the implementation of the People Strategy, responsible for bespoke people solutions for your directorates and influencing their prioritisation, as well as ensuring that corporate HR&OD initiatives are effectively implemented.

Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Matrix working with senior leaders to develop and implement HR initiatives that drive organisational performance and productivity
• Providing expert advice and commissioning creative people solutions on all aspects of human resources, including talent management, employee relations, performance management and organisational development
• Fostering a high-performance culture, championing employee engagement, and ensuring the council attracts, recruits, develops, and retains top talent
• Balancing strategic and operational priorities as an integral part of a wider senior HR & OD leadership team

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have:

• A Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• MCIPD (or equivalent HR qualification) or equivalent experience gained in a large and complex organisation.
• Expert and in depth understanding of HR principles and best practice
• Proven experience in a strategic HR leadership role with a focus on cultural change
• Operational experience in advising senior leaders on complex employee relations cases and hard to recruit roles.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What is in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Supporting documents and information

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Dawn Bettridge, Service Director HR and OD – Dawn.Bettridge@somerset.gov.uk

Interviews will take place 2 September 2025 or 3 September 2025.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

The Salary for the role is Grade 6, £65,090 per annum.

If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now