We are delighted to be partnering with a Local Gov client in Oxford to hire a HR Specialist on a permanent basis. Based in Central Oxford 1-2 days per week as part of a collaborative HR Advisory team.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations & Organisational Change Specialist to provide high‑quality HR advisory support to managers and colleagues. This role delivers a highly effective, customer‑focused HR service by offering specialist advice, guidance and risk‑based solutions across a range of employee relations (ER) and change initiatives.

You will manage your own varied caseload and projects, offering expert guidance aligned to employment legislation, best practice and organisational policy. The role plays an integral part in supporting the outcomes of our People & Culture Strategy and contributes to continuously improving the HR service.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality, customer‑focused HR advice to managers and employees on a range of ER and organisational change matters.
• Manage your own caseload, often high‑volume and of varying complexity, ensuring cases are progressed efficiently, fairly and consistently.
• Adopt a coaching style to enable managers to confidently undertake their people management responsibilities.
• Provide expert guidance on ER topics including grievance, disciplinary, capability, performance, absence management, dignity at work, dispute resolution, redundancy, redeployment, TUPE and probation.
• Support managers through organisational change processes, ensuring legal compliance, adherence to internal policy and appropriate consultation with recognised trade unions.
• Work collaboratively across the People function and with internal/external partners to deliver a seamless HR service.
• Proactively identify risks, propose solutions and support managers to achieve positive and appropriate business outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation and reporting in line with service standards and legal requirements.
• Contribute to the development of HR processes, policies and service improvements.
• Support the organisation’s values, culture and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Corporate Accountabilities

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and service areas to deliver high‑quality services to internal customers.
• Take responsibility for ongoing professional development, staying up to date with legislation, HR best practice and sector changes.
• Demonstrate professionalism and act as a role model for positive behaviours and cross‑functional working.
• Ensure responsible use of organisational resources and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Support the HR service in meeting its objectives and delivering KPIs.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

• CIPD Level 5 qualified or working towards; or equivalent HR advisory experience.
• Strong background in managing ER casework with varying levels of complexity.
• Solid understanding of HR practices, employment legislation and organisational policies.
• Experience working with trade unions and supporting formal consultation processes.
• Ability to coach, persuade and influence managers at all levels.
• Strong analytical, research and problem‑solving skills; able to use data to inform decisions.
• Proven ability to prioritise a busy workload and meet service standards, targets and deadlines.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and flexibly across different areas of HR.
• Commitment to service improvement, organisational effectiveness and high‑quality customer service.
• Strong IT literacy with good numeracy and written communication skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive working practices.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk