Senior Strategic Lead - Operations & Talent

Southend-on-Sea City Council; Southend-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the United Kingdom is looking for a Senior Strategic Lead for Talent & Operations. This pivotal leadership role requires a CIPD-qualified professional with extensive experience in HR strategy and talent management. Responsibilities include designing a new HR service desk, transforming payroll, and leveraging data for strategic decisions. The position offers a hybrid work model and a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days of annual leave and flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days' annual leave

Flexible working options

Generous pension

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in HR strategy and transformation within a large organisation.
• Strong background in payroll and pensions leadership is advantageous.
• Ability to lead change and embrace technology.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the Council’s new HR service desk.
• Transform Payroll and Pensions into a strategic enabler.
• Leverage data and analytics for decision-making.
• Oversight of resourcing and talent strategies.

Skills

CIPD qualification

HR strategy

Talent management

Leadership

Change management

Communication skills

Political awareness

Education

CIPD qualification

Job description

Hays is proud to partner with Southend-on-Sea City Council in the search for a Senior Strategic Lead for Talent & Operations.

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.

The Council is putting customers first, transforming into a modern, agile organisation powered by technology and data. This is an exciting time to join, as the Council introduces a new HR operating model designed to position HR as a true strategic partner. With a clear ambition for transformation and automation, the focus is on delivering a consistent, enhanced employee experience through a modern self‑service approach.

The Opportunity

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, providing the scope and exposure to 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 Bring

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.

Why Join

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.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of people services in a progressive council that values innovation and continuous improvement. You’ll have the autonomy to lead change and make a tangible impact on the organisation and its workforce.

Please contact Louisa London at Hays – Senior HR recruitment Essex & East Anglia, for more information or click apply below

Southend‑on‑Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community. Southend strive to create a workplace that reflects their city, where everyone is valued and empowered to be themselves.