HR Strategic Partner

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking an experienced HR Strategic Partner to lead transformational change within their Human Resources Team. You will influence senior leaders and design people strategies that foster an inclusive culture and drive organizational innovation. Ideal candidates will have CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience and a proven track record in change management. The role offers hybrid working options and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Strong ability to influence and coach senior leaders.
• Experience in leading organizational change and transformation.
• Confidence to suggest innovations.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformational change and design impactful people strategies.
• Work closely with directorates to create future-ready operating models.
• Embed inclusive cultures and foster innovation.

Skills

Influencing skills

Coaching experience

Organizational change management

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Innovation

Education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX. Hybrid working 3 days in office. Salary: £72,329 per annum. Hours: 37 hours per week. Contract: Permanent.

Are you ready to shape the future of work in Suffolk? We’re looking for a highly motivated, forward-thinking HR Strategic Partner to join our Human Resources Team. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational change, influence senior leaders, and design people strategies that make a real impact. You’ll work closely with directorates to develop future-ready operating models, embed inclusive cultures, and drive innovation across the council. If you’re passionate about people, strategy, and making a difference, this is the role for you.

Responsibilities (implied from role description)

• Lead transformational change and design people strategies that drive organizational impact.
• Collaborate with directorates to develop future-ready operating models.
• Embed inclusive cultures and drive innovation across the council.
• Influence senior leaders and provide coaching on strategy and change management.

What we’re looking for

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to influence and coach senior leaders.
• Experience leading organizational change and transformation.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Confidence to challenge and innovate.

What we offer

• Flexible working options including hybrid, compressed hours, flexitime, and job sharing.
• A supportive, inclusive team culture.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to shape the future of public service delivery in Suffolk.

Join us

We’re building a workplace that reflects the diversity and energy of our communities. If you’re driven, curious, and ready to lead change—we want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us reimagine what’s possible.

Empowering Everyone — We’re committed to potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We strive to support and enable everyone to be their best. We welcome applications from all, especially from groups underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Tim Jermyn (he/him) for a casual conversation. Call 01473 260336 or email [e-mail].

How to apply

1. Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
2. Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
3. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the questions (no more than 400 words per question) using the Supporting Statement template (Word). Questions: 1) How have you used HR data and workforce insights to inform strategic decisions? 2) Describe a significant organisational change or transformation programme you led. 3) How has your knowledge of employment legislation helped resolve a challenging HR issue? 4) Describe coaching or development of senior leaders in change management or organisational development.
4. Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Supporting documents must be in PDF or MS Word format. We value authentic applications and may reject AI-generated submissions. If you require reasonable adjustments, contact our Recruitment Team at [e-mail] or 03456 014412. If invited to the next stage, you can request adjustments for subsequent stages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 13 October 2025. Interview date: 20, 21, 22 October 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit different skills and ambitions. We provide flexible working options and support individual needs. Reimagine the possibilities.

Benefits include: Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days; LGPS membership; travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits; performance-related pay progression and annual cost-of-living increases; training and development opportunities; diverse staff networks; flexible working options from day one; and more.

For more about our benefits, values and equality commitments, please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).