Human Resources Manager (FTC)

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Flexi-time

Health Cash Plan

Eye test vouchers

Gym membership

Training opportunities

Professional subscriptions

Local Government Pension Scheme

Will writing services

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Free town centre parking

Job summary

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is seeking a highly experienced HR Manager on a fixed-term contract to lead HR strategies and provide expert guidance across employee relations and employment law.

You will oversee learning and development, policy governance, and complex employee relations, working with Trade Unions and senior stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes for the organisation.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 accredited HR professional.
• Experienced in employee relations, change and restructures.
• Strong employment law knowledge and risk assessment.
• Excellent communication with committees and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted HR advisor to managers and leaders.
• Lead complex employee relations cases and trade union negotiations.
• Drive organisational development and people strategy.
• Oversee learning and development programmes and budgets.
• Ensure HR policies compliance and governance.
• Manage recruitment, payroll-related processes and HR systems.

Skills

CIPD Level 7

Senior HR generalist

Employment law specialist

Strategic relationship builder

Strong communicator

Education

CIPD Level 7 accreditation

Job description

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 146,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits:

As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Flexibility:

• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time posts)
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.

Lifestyle:

• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount

Professional Development:

• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee

Financial Planning:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
• Free town centre parking

What to Expect in the Role:

As HR Manager, you will act as a trusted strategic advisor to managers and senior leaders, providing expert HR guidance across a broad range ofemployee relations, organisational change, and employment law matters. This is a fixed term contract to enable the current HR Manager to lead on the on Local Government Reorganisation programme, though there will still be an expectation for this role to support the delivery of any associated activity linked to this programme.

The successful candidate will lead the Council's Staff Strategy initiatives, helping to build a high performing, engaged, and capable workforce. You will oversee learning and development, drive continuous improvement in HR policies and practices, manage complex employee relations cases, and work closely with Trade Union representatives and key stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes for both employees and the organisation.

This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, champion best practice, and make a tangible impact on the Council's ability to deliver excellent services to the communities it serves.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):

• Trusted HR advisor, providing proactive guidance to managers and employees on HR matters, employment law, policies, and workplace issues to achieve effective and compliant outcomes.
• Leads complex employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, investigations, appeals, and trade union negotiations, while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Drives organisational development and people strategy, aligning workforce initiatives, culture, and talent development with corporate objectives.
• Owns learning and development programmes, managing budgets, corporate training plans, and providing expert advice to enhance organisational capability.
• Ensures HR compliance and governance, developing and updating policies, monitoring legislative changes, and presenting strategic HR reports to senior committees.
• Oversees key HR operations, including recruitment, workforce establishment control, HR systems, job evaluation, contractual changes, DBS checks, and payroll-related processes.

What You’ll Need (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):

• Highly qualified HR professional with CIPD Level 7 accreditation, strong academic foundations, and a proactive commitment to continuous professional development.
• Experienced senior HR generalist, providing expert advice on complex employee relations matters, organisational change, restructures, and workforce challenges.
• Employment law and HR best practice specialist, with the ability to interpret legislation, assess risk, and deliver clear, commercially focused guidance.
• Strong communicator and influencer, confident in presenting to committees, briefing senior stakeholders, and engaging effectively at all organisational levels.
• Strategic relationship builder, skilled in developing productive partnerships with managers, employees, trade unions, and external stakeholders.
• Resilient, analytical, and self-motivated, able to manage competing priorities, work independently, remain calm under pressure, and leverage HR systems and data to support decision-making.

Right To Work

Applicants must have existing Right to Work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini etc.

Artificial Intelligence could be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by AI, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal applicants may be subject to disciplinary action.

Interview Format

All interviews for this position will be held face to face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidates and panel members.

Applications will close at midnight on Tuesday 1st September 2026

Interviews will be held week beginning 7th September 2026