The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Hybrid Working
This is a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of how we shape and deliver our people strategy.
We’re looking for an experienced HR leader to provide strategic direction, professional leadership and corporate assurance across our Strategic HR Business Partnering and HR Advisory services. This is a high‑profile role, working directly with senior leaders and members to influence complex organisational change, workforce strategy and people risk.
You will work closely with the Director of HR & OD to operate as a senior professional authority on strategic people matters, including workforce strategy, organisational design, complex employee relations and people‑related risk. Through strong professional leadership and influence, you will ensure that advice provided across the organisation is consistent, high‑quality, legally robust and aligned to corporate priorities.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people, as diversity and inclusion are key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
This role offers the opportunity to shape the people agenda at scale in a large, complex organisation, influencing real outcomes for communities while leading a high‑impact HR function.
You’ll join a supportive senior leadership team with a clear focus on improvement, collaboration and delivering high‑quality services for Reading’s residents.
You will:
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Lead our Strategic HR Business Partnering and HR Advisory functions, setting direction and expectations for professional excellence
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and Members on workforce strategy, organisational design and complex employee relations
- Shape and deliver the Council’s workforce strategy, aligned to transformation priorities and financial planning
- Provide corporate assurance on restructures, change programmes and workforce decisions
- Oversee high‑risk and high‑profile employee relations issues at a strategic level
- Build strong relationships with trade unions and key stakeholders
- Develop capability across the HR function, coaching and leading colleagues
- Deputise for the Director of HR & OD where required
About you
You’ll be an experienced, credible HR leader who is comfortable operating at senior / chief officer level within a complex organisation.
You’ll bring:
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Significant experience advising senior leaders, boards or elected members on strategic people issues
- A strong track record in the delivery of robust and effective organisational design solutions, workforce planning and complex change
- Deep expertise in employment law, governance and people risk
- Experience of working in local government or highly regulated environment
- The ability to influence, challenge and lead through others
- Strong leadership capability, developing teams, setting standards and driving performance
- CIPD Chartered membership (or equivalent) is essential.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. Alongside the colleagues you work closely with, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, making a personal contribution to a successful and vibrant borough.
Our vision is for Reading to be a great place to live, work and play, where everyone shares the benefits of success. Our values and behaviours guide how we achieve this:
Work Together as One Team: champion collaboration to deliver outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency: use resources effectively and maximise the impact of our people
Be Ambitious: strive for excellence and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading: put residents first and embrace positive change
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
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Generous holiday entitlement - 31 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising 33 days after 10 years' LG service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact
[email protected]
Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 29th June or 6th July 2026
Interview Process: To be confirmed
