Strategic HR Adviser (Policy and Reward)

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624557
Salary Range: £48,948 - £54,423 per annum 
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37 (part time hours will be considered)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 22 July 2026

Shape the future of employment policy and reward in one of the country's largest local authorities

Are you an experienced HR professional who thrives on complexity, enjoys influencing strategic decisions, and can turn ambiguity into clear, practical solutions?

We're looking for a Strategic HR Adviser to join our Policy and Reward Team within People Services. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in developing the policies, practices and reward approaches that support thousands of employees across Hampshire County Council and Hampshire schools.

The Role:

Our team works across directorates and Hampshire schools and is responsible for proposing and agreeing the Council’s approach to managing employee relations throughout the employee lifecycle. We do this through engaging with several stakeholders to agree organisational positions. We then communicate the position clearly through our written guidance and communications.

Alongside our role to interpret new legislation and write policy/guidance, we work closely with our casework teams to resolve policy points in complex employee relations issues. We also work closely with our payroll team to implement pay awards and resolve complex pay issues.

Applications for part time hours may be considered, however a minimum of four days per week (29 hours) is required. The team all attend the office in Winchester on a weekly basis. This is currently a Wednesday; however, this may change in future. You will need to attend the office on the same day as the rest of the team.

What you’ll do:

As a Strategic HR Adviser, you'll be at the heart of some of our most complex people challenges. No two days are the same. One day you may be assessing the impact of new employment legislation and shaping the Council's response; the next, supporting the resolution of a complex employee relations issue. You will often need to work in ambiguous situations where there is no clear answer. 

You'll work with senior stakeholders across the organisation to develop policy positions, interpret emerging legislation, manage organisational risk and ensure our people practices remain fair, effective and fit for the future. You'll analyse risks, develop options and provide clear recommendations that help leaders make informed decisions with confidence.

You will deliver more complex or higher-risk projects, whilst being responsible for the delivery of a wider range of projects by other team members. You will also have line management responsibilities for one or two team members.

What we’re looking for:

You will have excellent critical thinking and communication skills, enabling you to understand complex issues and communicate them simply for more senior stakeholders. You will need to use your critical thinking skills to identify risks and recommend options so that decision makers can agree an appropriate organisational position. You will then use your good project management skills to ensure effective delivery. You will have good self-awareness and ability to adjust your style to ensure effective working relationships.

As an individual who thrives on managing multiple workstreams, ensuring that the milestones and success criteria are met as agreed, your self-drive and self-management and organisation will be second-to-none. You will be able to coach and support team members to deliver quality outcomes in the projects they are leading. This is a role for someone who enjoys tackling challenging issues where there isn't always a straightforward answer.

As a team we are continually improving the way we work and you will be pivotal in leading and implementing this change through your line management role as well as contributing to discussions about the future focus, skills and needs of the team. 

Why join us?

We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Additional Information:

Strategic HR Adviser (Policy and Reward) Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Georgina Campbell, Senior Leader (Policy and Reward) on georgina.campbell@hants.gov.uk