HR Policy Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council; Oldbury; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Oldbury seeks an HR Policy Lead to shape innovative HR policies and foster a high-performing, inclusive culture. The ideal candidate will possess senior HR policy experience, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to values. This full-time permanent position offers a salary range of £55,609 to £59,027 per annum, plus opportunities for professional growth within the council.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading dynamic HR policy development.
• Ready to inspire and set the pace for progressive policy.
• Experience in engaging with senior leaders and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Leading development and implementation of HR policies.
• Advising on complex policy and employment practice issues.
• Building strong partnerships and leading a talented team.

Skills

Senior experience in HR policy or employment law

Strong knowledge of employment law and HR policy trends

Proven ability to lead policy in complex, unionised settings

Excellent communication and influencing skills

Confidence with data and digital tools

A collaborative, resilient approach

Commitment to organizational values

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Job description

HR Policy Lead

Employer
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Location
Sandwell Council House, Freeth St, Oldbury B69 3DE

Salary
Band I SCP 44-47 (£55,609 - £59,027 per annum)

Closing date
30 Nov 2025

Reference
SAND000005

Sector
Local Councils

Job Type
Human resources / OD / Training, Management

Contract Type
Full time permanent

Working Pattern
Standard

Hours
Full-Time

Job Details

Ready to set the pace for progressive, dynamic policy at Sandwell?

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape the future of people policy at Sandwell Council? Do you thrive on turning complex challenges into opportunities and enjoy bringing people together to create innovative, inclusive solutions? If so, you could be the HR Policy Lead we're looking for.

As our HR Policy Lead, you'll be the driving force behind shaping, evolving, and embedding forward-thinking HR policies that foster a high-performing, inclusive culture. We're looking for someone who can inspire others, influence with credibility, even when the going gets tough and bring energy and resilience to every challenge. Working closely with senior leaders, trade unions, and stakeholders across the council, you'll lead the development and implementation of people policies that not only meet our strategic goals and legislative requirements but also set the pace for innovation and inclusion.

You'll be the council's go-to advisor on complex policy and employment practice issues, championing continuous improvement and creative solutions. By building strong partnerships, leading a talented team, and using data-driven insights, you'll help create a positive, resilient council where every policy supports our ambitions and values.

If you have a proven track record of leading dynamic HR policy development and you're ready to set the pace for progressive policy, inspire those around you, and make a tangible difference for colleagues and communities, we want to hear from you. Join us to help turn Sandwell's ambitions into reality and play your part in our journey to become an outstanding council.

You’ll need:

• Senior experience in HR policy or employment law (degree-level or equivalent is a bonus)
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR policy trends
• Proven ability to lead policy in complex, unionised settings
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Confidence with data and digital tools
• A collaborative, resilient approach
• Commitment to our values: One Team, Customer Focused, Inclusive, Ambitious, and Accountable

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4).

Your supporting statement should describe how you meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification for the role as this will be used for shortlisting.

Provide your full employment history including any education or employment gaps.

Email your CV and supporting statement to: [e-mail]

Please state the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

Thank you for your interest. It's a really exciting time to join us as we build on the rapid improvements made over the last few years and set our sights on becoming an outstanding council. We continue to challenge our thinking and change our ways of working to become a modern, efficient, and agile organisation that has consistent high customer service standards.

We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Unfortunately, we will only contact those applicants shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process. If you do not hear from us within the 14‑day period after the closing date, you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. We hope you understand.

If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application, or have experienced a problem whilst applying for a position, please contact the team on 0121 569 3300 or via e‑mail to: [e-mail]