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Head of Strategic HR & Advisory

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.

Why Reading?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact.

You'll join an ambitious council serving one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in the UK, leading a high-performing team at a time of significant organisational transformation and improvement.

You'll work alongside talented colleagues, influence major strategic decisions and help shape the future workforce of an organisation that is committed to delivering excellent services for residents.

Our values

Everything we do is guided by our shared values:

Work Together as One Team
Champion collaboration to deliver the best outcomes for Reading.

Drive Efficiency
Use resources effectively and maximise our impact.

Be Ambitious
Strive for excellence and support others to achieve their potential.

Make a Difference to Reading
Put residents first and embrace positive change.

Our offer

We offer a supportive and inclusive environment where innovation, collaboration and professional development are encouraged.

In return, you'll benefit from:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' continuous local government service
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life assurance of three times annual salary (for LGPS members)
• Modern offices in the heart of Reading town centre
• Outstanding on-site day nursery
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• Electric and low-emission vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• A range of learning and development opportunities

Inclusion and diversity

We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people because diversity, inclusion and belonging are critical to our success.

To arrange a confidential discussion about the role, please contact recruitment@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Interview Process: Presentation and competency-based interview
Interview Date: To be confirmed