Senior People Advisor

Be part of shaping the future of local government

This is an exciting time to join Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. As local government reorganisation (LGR) progresses across Staffordshire, we are preparing for significant organisational change and transformation.

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Senior People Advisor to play a key role in supporting our workforce, managers and leaders through this period of change whilst helping to shape the future of our organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys working in a busy and varied environment, thrives on building positive relationships and wants to make a genuine difference to employees' experiences at work.

About the role

Reporting to the People Business Manager, you will provide professional, business-focused people advice and support across the full employee lifecycle.

You will manage a small team of People Advisors and a People Assistant, ensuring the delivery of a responsive, customer focused and high quality HR service across the council

You will act as a trusted advisor to managers on a wide range of employment matters, including employee relations, attendance management, performance, workforce planning, organisational development and policy implementation

The role will be particularly important as we navigate local government reorganisation. You will support organisational change activity, consultation processes, restructures and TUPE related projects, helping managers and employees through periods of transition with confidence, professionalism and solid employment law advice.

Alongside operational HR delivery, you will contribute to our People strategy, supporting initiatives focused on employee engagement, cultural development, compassionate leadership, wellbeing, inclusion and workforce planning.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a proactive and experienced HR professional who:

• holds a CIPD Level 5 qualification as a minimum

• has substantial experience providing professional HR advice across a broad range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change

• has experience supporting organisational restructures, workforce transformation programmes and TUPE transfers

• is confident building effective working relationships with Trade Unions and employee representatives

• has the credibility and influence to support and challenge managers at all levels of the organisation

• can lead, coach and develop others, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and high performance

• uses data and insight to drive decision-making, identify opportunities for improvement and deliver practical solutions

• is pragmatic, flexible and adaptable, able to respond positively to changing priorities and emerging challenges

• demonstrates resilience, sound judgement and a calm approach when dealing with complex or sensitive issues

• shares our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and high-performing workplace culture

Why join us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience at the heart of one of the most significant changes facing local government. In return, you'll have the opportunity to:

• play a key role in supporting local government reorganisation and organisational transformation

• work on high-profile projects involving organisational change, TUPE and workforce planning

• develop your leadership and professional expertise within a supportive and forward-thinking People Team

• build strong partnerships with managers, trade unions and colleagues across the organisation

If you are a people focused HR professional who combines sound employment knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach and you're excited by the opportunity to help lead people through a period of change and opportunity, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

 £40,777 to £42,839 per annum (2026-27 pay award pending)

• access to the local government pension scheme

• minimum 24 days annual leave plus 5 extra days after 5 years' service

• flexible working options and family friendly policies

• local and national high street discounts

• free car parking

• wellbeing support including £12.50 per month Jubilee2 membership

• green travel scheme including cycle to work and electric car salary sacrifice

• free employee 24 hour employee assistance and counselling services, flu vaccination service and health checks

• development and training opportunities