People Business Manager

Lead People Through Change. Shape the Future of Local Government.

This is a unique opportunity to join Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council at one of the most significant periods of change in local government.

As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) progresses across Staffordshire, we are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking People Business Manager to lead our People Team through a period of transformation, ensuring we continue to deliver an outstanding HR service whilst supporting our employees, managers and trade union partners through change.

This role has arisen due to vacancies within the team and presents an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a busy environment, enjoys solving complex people challenges and can provide confident leadership during times of uncertainty and transition.

About the Role

Reporting to the Service Director for Strategy, People and Performance, you will lead the operational HR service and provide strategic and pragmatic people advice across the organisation. You will play a key role in shaping workforce planning, organisational development, employee relations and policy development while supporting the Council's preparations for and transition through Local Government Reorganisation. Leading a dedicated People Team, you will ensure the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused HR service, whilst developing the capability, confidence and resilience of your team during a period of significant change.

What We're Looking For We are seeking an experienced HR professional who:

• Holds a CIPD Level 5 qualification as a minimum (Level 7 preferable)
• Has experience of leading HR teams and delivering operational excellence.
• Has significant experience of organisational change programmes, restructures and workforce transformation.
• Has practical experience managing TUPE transfers and complex employee relations matters.
• Is confident working in partnership with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Can balance strategic thinking with a hands-on, pragmatic approach.
• Is flexible, adaptable and resilient, able to respond effectively to changing priorities and emerging challenges.
• Builds strong relationships, influences at all levels and communicates with credibility and empathy.
• Is motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future workforce of a changing local government landscape. Local government experience and an understanding of NJC terms and conditions would be advantageous.

Why Join Us? This is more than a traditional HR management role. You will have the opportunity to:

• Play a central role in one of the most significant organisational changes the Council has experienced.
• Lead and develop a talented People Team.
• Influence strategic workforce decisions during Local Government Reorganisation.
• Work closely with senior leaders, elected members and trade union colleagues.
• Help create a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture for the future.

If you are an experienced HR leader who combines sound judgement with a practical and adaptable approach and you're excited by the opportunity to lead people through change and transformation, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

£51,356 to £55,601.44 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