Project Lead HRBP - Absence

Lord Search & Selection; Widnes; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority is looking for a Project Lead to drive a strategic absence management project aimed at improving attendance and reducing costs. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with key stakeholders and implement sustainable changes across the organization, enhancing workforce resilience and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Extensive HR experience in absence management and complex casework.
• Demonstrable experience leading or delivering projects in HR.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR policy frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the absence management project within the HRBP Team.
• Design, develop and deliver a detailed action plan.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to drive targeted interventions.

Skills

Absence management

Project leadership

HR data analytics

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Degree-level qualification

Professional HR credentials

Job description

Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced and driven Project Lead to take ownership of a high-impact absence management project, working from within the HR Business Partner (HRBP) Team.

This is a hybrid role (3 days in the office, 2 days remote) based at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes, offering a unique opportunity to lead a strategic piece of work as part of the Council's wider Transformation Programme. The aim is to improve attendance, reduce absenteeism-related costs, and embed long-term change across the organisation.

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly experienced HR professional with significant expertise in absence management and a proven track record of leading or contributing to HR projects.

As the Project Lead, you will:

• Be the key figure within the HRBP service responsible for driving the absence management project forward.

• Lead on the design, development and delivery of the project's strategic action plan.

• Work closely with HRBPs, senior leaders, service managers and trade unions to implement sustainable attendance improvements across key service areas.

• Use data insight to target interventions and ensure measurable impact aligned to organisational goals.

You will play a hands-on role in both the strategy and the delivery - developing the plan and leading its implementation across the organisation.

What We're Looking For:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional HR credentials, with evidence of continuous professional development.

• Extensive HR experience, particularly in absence management and complex casework.

• Demonstrable experience of leading or delivering projects, preferably in a public sector or unionised environment.

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, ACAS Codes and HR policy frameworks.

• Skilled in using HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and track progress.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills - able to influence and lead at all levels.

• Ability to plan and manage work at pace, meeting deadlines with resilience and flexibility.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leading the absence management project from within the HRBP Team - designing, developing and delivering a detailed action plan.

• Collaborating with key stakeholders to drive forward targeted interventions where absence exceeds Council targets.

• Analysing HR data to identify trends and evaluate the impact of project actions.

• Reporting regularly to the Programme Management Office and Transformation Programme Board.

• Supporting, coaching and advising managers on policy implementation and best practice absence management.

• Leading communication and engagement efforts with managers, employees and trade unions.

• Ensuring the sustainability of improved attendance through policy, systems and cultural change.

• Contributing to the wider HR and transformation agenda within the Council.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take a leadership role in shaping the future of attendance management at Halton Borough Council. You'll lead a significant change project within a supportive HRBP team, helping to build a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Connect2Haltonis a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.