Head of Strategic HR Operations

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic leader for the Head of Strategic HR Operations role in Oxford. This pivotal position will focus on driving HR operations, innovating services, and leading Trade Union relations. The successful candidate will inspire a high-performing team and enhance overall performance, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and managing budgets effectively. This hybrid role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to make a significant impact in shaping the workplace culture. If you're passionate about HR and want to contribute to transformative change, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in leading HR operations in complex organizations.
• Strong relationship-building skills with Trade Unions or equivalent associations.

Responsibilities

• Lead key HR functions including Employee Relations and Recruitment.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in HR operations.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Employee Relations

HR Policy Development

Trade Union Relations

Strategic Thinking

Continuous Improvement

HR Regulations Knowledge

Education

Degree in Human Resources or related field

Job description

Together, we’re building a thriving workplace and creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council’s “Delivering the Future Together” programme aims to make us an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. At the heart of this vision is our 2024-2026 People and Culture Strategy, the cornerstone of our mission to build high-performing, innovative, engaged, and agile teams that truly reflect our communities. To bring this to life, we are seeking a dynamic leader for our newly created Head of Strategic HR Operations role. This pivotal position will focus on driving HR operations, innovating our services in alignment with our core values, and leading Trade Union relations. Your strategic leadership will be instrumental in inspiring and building a high-performing team, enhancing overall performance, and spearheading transformative change.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead on key HR functions including Employee Relations, Pay and Reward, HR Policy, HR Systems, Recruitment, and Trade Union Relations
• Working with leaders and stakeholders across the organisation, lead on developing and implementing strategies to develop excellent employment relations and an innovative pay and reward strategy that helps attract and retain essential skills for the organisation’s success
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in HR operations, enabling our delivery services to provide outstanding service and fulfil our ambition of providing an excellent and easy-to-use manager self-service
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and manage budgets effectively, ensuring all available resources are used in the most efficient and effective way that represents excellent value for money

What you will need to succeed:

• Significant experience in leading HR operations within a complex organisation, demonstrating strong leadership and team management skills; prior experience in Local Government is highly advantageous
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities; with experience working with Trade Unions or equivalent industrial associations
• A strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, coupled with a strong focus on driving operational delivery to achieve outcomes
• In-depth knowledge of HR regulations, legislation, and best practice, coupled with an understanding of national and local government developments, policies, and emerging trends, particularly around the areas of pay & reward

This is a permanent position paying £83,025 – £93,275, depending on experience, and is a hybrid role based in Oxford.

To apply, please send your CV along with a cover letter detailing what skills and experience you can bring to succeed in this role.

Closing Date: Monday 5th May 23:55

Technical Interviews: 14th and 15th May (Online)

Stakeholder Panel & Final Interviews: 21st and 22nd May (In Oxford)

Visit our dedicated recruitment site at https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/oxfordshire-county-council or contact Laura Bennallack 0333 010 5299 or Bethany Ward-Reeds on 01865 248713 for an informal discussion.

Oxfordshire County Council values equality, diversity, and inclusion in employment. We welcome applications from all community members, especially those from multi-ethnic backgrounds, who are under-represented at senior levels. We aim to create a workplace that reflects our region, where everyone feels valued and empowered.