Head of Strategic HR & Advisory


Company:	Reading Borough Council
Salary:	£72,998 - £90,526
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Reading, RG1 2LU
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	27 Jul 2026
Closing date:	24 Aug 2026

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Summary

Shape the workforce of one of the South East's most ambitious local authorities.

Location: Reading Civic Offices, Reading

Working Pattern: Full-time with hybrid working arrangements

Reading is one of the UK's most successful and dynamic urban areas, home to a thriving economy, diverse communities and ambitious plans for the future. At Reading Borough Council, we're committed to delivering high-quality services for our residents while continuing to modernise, transform and improve how we work.

We're looking for an accomplished HR leader to join our senior HR leadership team and help shape the future of our organisation.

This is a pivotal role, providing strategic direction and professional leadership across our Strategic HR Business Partnering and HR Advisory services. Working closely with the Director of HR & OD, senior leaders and elected Members, you will influence workforce strategy, organisational transformation and people-related decision making across the Council.

As a key professional authority, you will ensure the organisation receives high-quality, commercially aware and legally robust people advice that supports both organisational performance and positive outcomes for our communities.

About the role

Reporting to the Director of HR & OD, this is a senior leadership position with responsibility for leading our Strategic HR Business Partnering and HR Advisory functions.

You will play a critical role in shaping organisational effectiveness, workforce sustainability and leadership capability across the Council, helping to ensure our workforce is equipped to meet current and future challenges.

You will:

Lead our Strategic HR Business Partnering and HR Advisory services, setting direction and driving professional excellence

Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and elected Members on complex strategic workforce matters

Shape and deliver workforce strategies that support organisational priorities, transformation programmes and financial sustainability

Provide strategic oversight and assurance for organisational change, restructures and workforce-related decision making

Lead on high-profile and high-risk employee relations matters

Build effective relationships with recognised trade unions and key stakeholders

Develop, coach and inspire HR colleagues, building capability across the function

Deputise for the Director of HR & OD when required

About you

You will be an experienced and credible HR leader with the professional confidence to operate at senior leadership level within a large, complex organisation.

You will bring:

Significant experience advising senior leaders, boards, executives or elected Members on strategic workforce issues

A strong track record of delivering organisational design, workforce planning and complex transformation programmes

Extensive knowledge of employment law, governance, employee relations and organisational risk

Experience working within local government or another complex and highly regulated environment

The ability to influence, challenge and build credibility at all levels

Proven leadership experience, developing teams and delivering high-quality outcomes through others

Most importantly, you'll be someone who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery, builds strong relationships and thrives in a complex and evolving environment.

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