R2R11 Senior Strategic Lead Operations and Talent

Southend-on-Sea City Council; Southend-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive local authority is seeking a senior HR leader to shape and implement its transformation program. The role includes overseeing HR operations and managing a substantial budget while ensuring efficient, customer-focused services. Candidates must be CIPD-qualified with significant experience in HR strategy and transformation within complex organizations, preferably in the public sector. This hybrid position offers competitive benefits including flexible working options and 25 days of annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Generous pension

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in HR strategy, talent management, and transformation.
• Ability to lead change and embrace technology.
• Strong communication skills and political awareness.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the Council’s new Front Door HR service desk.
• Transform Payroll and Pensions to improve employee experience.
• Leverage data analytics to inform HR decisions.
• Build strong partnerships with senior leaders and stakeholders.

Skills

Employee Evaluation

Continuous Improvement

Management Experience

Process Improvement

Operations Management

Project Management

Strategic Planning

Leadership Experience

Education

CIPD qualification

Job description

Your New Organisation

Southend-on-Sea City Council is a progressive local authority dedicated to delivering exceptional services and driving meaningful change for its residents, businesses and communities. The Council continues to invest in ambitious projects that keep Southend-on-Sea vibrant and firmly on the map.

Your new role

This is a pivotal leadership role within the senior leadership team reporting to the Head of People & Organisation Culture. You’ll play a critical role in helping to shape and deliver the Council’s transformation programme, leading strategic initiatives across HR Operations, Payroll, Pensions, Data and Talent. Your remit includes ensuring services are efficient, customer‑focused and aligned with organisational priorities. The role also carries responsibility for managing a budget of approximately £1.25 million, leading a large team and delivering an income target of around £210 k. This position offers an exceptional platform for ambitious professionals seeking to broaden their strategic and operational expertise and progress toward future Head or Director‑level opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement the Council’s new Front Door HR service desk, driving digital enablement and automation.
• Transform Payroll and Pensions into a strategic enabler of employee experience and organisational effectiveness.
• Leverage data and analytics to inform decisions and create a People dashboard using AI.
• Oversee resourcing and talent strategies including senior recruitment campaigns and options appraisal for future delivery models.
• Act as product owner for HR elements of the ERP transformation programme.
• Build strong partnerships with senior leaders, trade unions and external stakeholders.

What you’ll need to succeed

You’ll be CIPD‑qualified with extensive experience in HR strategy, talent management and transformation within a large complex organisation, ideally within the public sector. As a recognised thought leader you will influence best practice, shape innovative solutions and drive forward‑thinking approaches to people strategy. Your ability to lead change, embrace technology and foster high‑performing teams will be critical. Strong communication skills, political awareness and a collaborative approach are essential. Payroll and pensions leadership experience will also be highly advantageous.

What you’ll get in return

They offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days annual leave, flexible working options and a generous pension. This is a hybrid role, giving you the flexibility to work from home while spending around two days a week in the office.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role please contact Louisa London at Hays – Senior HR Recruitment, Essex & East Anglia for more information.

If you would like a copy of the Job Description, please click here.

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above, so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require a DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.

Required Experience: Senior IC

Key Skills

• Employee Evaluation
• Continuous Improvement
• FDA Regulations
• Management Experience
• Process Improvement
• Profit & Loss
• Operations Management
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership Experience
• P&L Management
• Supervising Experience

Employment Type: Contract

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1