HR Business Partner

Brackenberry Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local consulting firm is looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to provide professional HR support across Southwark Council. The role involves partnering with managers on workforce strategies, managing employee relations, and supporting organisational change. Ideal candidates will have strong business partnering experience within local government and knowledge of employment law. This is a 3-month contract with competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in local government is highly desirable.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in HR and employment law.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior managers to deliver HR strategies.
• Provide HR advice on employee relations.
• Manage complex employee relations casework.
• Support organisational change initiatives.
• Lead on workforce planning and talent management.

Skills

HR business partnering experience

Knowledge of employment law

Strong communication skills

Coaching and negotiation skills

Ability to analyze HR data

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

CIPD membership (or working towards)

Job description

We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Southwark to assist with the appointment of a HR Business Partner, on a 3-month contract, highly likely to be extended at client's discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

Rate of Pay: £24.06 - £31.75 per hour

Summary

The HR Business Partner will provide high-quality, professional HR support across Southwark Council, working in partnership with managers and senior stakeholders to deliver people-focused solutions that enable organisational performance and transformation. This role is pivotal in managing complex employee relations cases, supporting organisational change, and ensuring HR advice is aligned with council objectives. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, providing expert HR guidance and delivering innovative people strategies that enhance workforce capability.

Prior experience in local government is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior managers, stakeholders, and HR colleagues to deliver HR and workforce strategies aligned with Southwark Councils priorities.
• Provide expert HR advice and guidance to managers on all aspects of employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management.
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations casework with professionalism, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and best practice.
• Support organisational change initiatives and transformation programmes, including restructures, TUPE transfers, and cultural change projects.
• Lead on workforce planning, talent management, and succession planning to build organisational capability.
• Degree or equivalent qualification, ideally with CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) membership (or working towards). Evidence of continuing professional development in HR and employment law.
• Strong HR business partnering experience within a complex organisation, preferably within local government or public sector.
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations casework with confidence and professionalism.
• Experience of supporting organisational change, restructures, and transformation programmes.
• Track record of building effective relationships with senior leaders and influencing at a strategic level.
• Ability to analyse HR data and produce clear, insightful reports to inform decisions.
• Excellent knowledge of employment law, HR policies, and best practice.
• Strong communication, coaching, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.