Lead People Partner

Casanovas Recruitment Solutions; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency seeks a Lead People Partner to shape organisational culture and drive impactful people strategies in Essex. The ideal candidate will provide strategic HR leadership, manage workforce planning, and handle complex HR casework. Essential qualifications include an MCIPD qualification and strong HR management experience. The role offers high autonomy, the opportunity to influence change, and a chance to lead within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

High levels of autonomy and influence

Opportunity to shape organisational culture

Challenging and rewarding HR leadership position

Qualifications

• Strong HR management experience with a track record of delivering organisational effectiveness.
• Solid understanding of employment law.
• Experience handling complex HR casework up to tribunal level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and champion people initiatives.
• Manage the People Partnering function and support delivery of organisational plans.
• Develop and embed policies, toolkits and change management processes.

Skills

Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills

Strong influencing and negotiation ability

Innovative problem-solver

Diplomatic, confidential approach

Ability to drive continuous improvement

Education

MCIPD or equivalent

Level 5 education or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Title: Lead People Partner

Location: Flexible within the county
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive

A great opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead People Partner to take a strategic role in shaping organisational culture, driving change, and delivering impactful people strategies. This position is ideal for a senior HR professional who thrives in a complex environment, builds strong relationships, and provides expert guidance to leaders.

The Role

As Lead People Partner, you will act as a strategic advisor to senior leaders, driving the implementation of the People Strategy and leading key workforce initiatives. You will manage a small team, oversee complex employee relations matters, support organisational development, and help shape people policies and toolkits.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and champion people initiatives and values.
• Manage the People Partnering function and support delivery of organisational plans.
• Lead on workforce planning, resourcing, talent management and succession planning.
• Develop and embed policies, toolkits and change management processes.
• Partner with senior leaders, identifying workforce risks and driving cultural improvement.
• Lead or support complex HR casework, including escalated and tribunal-level cases.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, health & safety, safeguarding and data protection.
• Deputise for senior HR leadership when required.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• MCIPD or equivalent.
• Level 5 education or equivalent experience.
• Strong HR management experience with a track record of delivering organisational effectiveness.
• Solid understanding of employment law.
• Experience handling complex HR casework up to tribunal level.
• Experience leading organisational change and developing policies/toolkits.
• Experience managing staff or a service area.
• Ability to analyse data to support decision-making.

Desirable

• ILM Leadership & Management qualification.
• Budget management or public sector experience.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Strong influencing, negotiation and relationship-building ability.
• Innovative problem-solver with resilience and confidence under pressure.
• Diplomatic, confidential and professional approach.
• Ability to respond to change and drive continuous improvement.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel within the county.
• Flexible working approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity.

Why Apply?

This role offers:

• High levels of autonomy and influence at a strategic level
• The opportunity to shape organisational culture and drive impactful change
• A varied, challenging and rewarding HR leadership position

If you are an inspiring HR leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply today.