Employee Relations and Organisational Change Specialist

Job Introduction

Together, we’re delivering the future together and becoming an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. To achieve our goals, we need to transform how we work by redesigning our organisational structure, so we’re set up for success and sustainability in the future. 

Our HR & Cultural Change service is at the start of its journey, to fundamentally change how it works to deliver the Our People and Culture Strategy, helping to make sure the organisation is well-equipped to respond to opportunities and challenges, now and in the future.

Shape the Future of Work with Us 

Are you an experienced HR professional with a passion for change, people, and purpose? Join our forward-thinking HR & Cultural Change Service and be part of an exciting journey to transform how we work and deliver value to our employees, leaders, and communities. 

We’re a modern and ambitious local authority, committed to becoming an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. At the heart of this ambition lies our people; and you could play a key role in shaping a culture where everyone thrives. 

About the Role 

As an HR Specialist focused on Employee Relations and Organisational Change, you’ll be a trusted advisor to managers and employees. You’ll provide expert support on a wide range of matters; from complex employee relations casework to strategic change programmes such as TUPE and redundancy. 

You’ll deliver practical and people-focused HR advice that balances legal compliance, risk, and organisational values. Through a coaching-led approach, you’ll empower managers to lead confidently and fairly, while helping to create a positive and inclusive working environment. 

You'll also work closely with our recognised trade unions, playing a key role in consultation and negotiation processes to support constructive employee relations. 

What You’ll Do 

Manage a diverse caseload, including conduct (disciplinary), grievance, attendance, probation, performance, TUPE, redundancy, and other change-related matters. 

Provide high-quality advice that blends legal compliance, people-centred practice, and pragmatic solutions. 

Use coaching and mentoring techniques to develop people management capability. 

Build trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including managers, trade unions, and colleagues across HR. 

Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of our HR policies, systems, and service delivery. 

Champion the Our People and Culture Strategy, embedding principles of inclusion, wellbeing, and agile working in everything you do. 

About You 

You’ll bring: 

A CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience); working towards full qualification is welcomed. 

A strong working knowledge of UK employment law, HR best practice, and complex employee relations processes. 

Significant experience of supporting HR matters in a unionised and complex environment. 

Confidence in advising and influencing stakeholders at all levels. 

A proactive, resilient, and adaptable approach to working in a fast-paced, evolving organisation. 

Strong analytical and digital skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making and improve service outcomes. 

Above all, a genuine care for people and a commitment to building a workplace where everyone can do their best work. 

Why Join Us? 

This is a pivotal time to be part of our newly redesigned HR & Cultural Change operating model, which reinforces clarity, collaboration, and a ‘one team’ ethos. 

We offer: 

A supportive, inclusive, and flexible working culture 

Excellent development opportunities across high-impact projects and service areas 

The opportunity to make a real difference to over 8,000 colleagues 

A chance to help shape how we deliver on the Our People and Culture Strategy 

Apply Now 

If you're ready to be a driving force for change, support a culture of fairness and inclusion, and help shape the future of work in our organisation, we’d love to hear from you. 

Join us. Shape the future. Make an impact.  

Additional Rewards and benefits

As part of our team, you’ll benefit from

• Vivup benefits platform
• Vivup highfive recognition platform
• Cyclescheme (for eco-conscious commuters)
• Electric vehicle lease scheme
• Discounts at local retailers
• Salary finance options
• Up to 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
• A competitive 19.9% employer pension contribution rate

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk