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.

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 £210K. This position offers an exceptional platform for ambitious professionals seeking to broaden their strategic and operational expertise, providing the scope and exposure to progress towards 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.

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.

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.

If you are interested in this role, please contact Louisa London at Hays - Senior HR recruitment Essex & East Anglia, for more information - Louisa.london@hays.com

If you would like a copy 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.