Head of HR Business Partnering and Operations

Southern Water is seeking a visionary and accomplished Head of HR to join our HR Senior Leadership Team (HRSLT). In this pivotal role, you will lead a team of HR professionals, delivering operational excellence, strategic HR business partnering, and organisational development across the business. You will oversee a range of responsibilities, including policy development, complex employee relations (ER) cases, and managing the HR Shared Services (HRSS) team. You will also support the maintenance and development of our HR systems, including Workday, through collaboration with the Data and MI Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR leader to shape the future of our people strategies, deliver impactful transformation programmes, and drive operational effectiveness at Southern Water. What You'll Be Doing Leadership & Strategy Lead and manage the HRBP, HRSS, and Data & MI teams to align their work with the business and people strategy. Partner with Centres of Excellence to deliver initiatives like succession planning, talent reviews, and critical role mapping. Act as an escalation point for business partnering and HRSS-related queries. Operational Excellence Drive organisational design and restructuring to optimise operating models, ensuring alignment with design principles, finance, and operational goals. Deliver insights through ongoing analysis of MI trends to enhance people processes and inform future initiatives. Transformation & Change Lead complex restructuring projects, including consultations on terms and conditions (Ts & Cs) and framework implementations. Develop and embed effective change management practices across the organisation. Collaboration & Policy Development Provide skilled input into HR policy development and strategic projects.Oversee the management of complex ER cases, ensuring best practices and adherence to employment law.

We're looking for a dynamic, experienced HR leader with : Proven Experience Significant expertise in organisational design, restructuring, and consultation.Experience working with unions and managing complex relationships. A track record of leading transformation programmes and embedding change.Strategic HR business partnering at a senior level, with a focus on driving business performance. Skills & Knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.Expertise in managing and optimising HR information systems (e. g., Workday).Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret MI and deliver actionable insights.

• Leadership Capabilities Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop HR professionals.Confidence to influence and consult at executive level, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Qualifications Degree-level education or equivalent.CIPD-qualified (MCIPD or equivalent).
  
  At Southern Water, we're committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels they belong. We value fresh thinking, passion, and people who bring their whole selves to work., If this opportunity aligns with your expertise and aspirations, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your application to join us on our journey to shape the future of Southern Water.
  
  Competitive salary and benefits, including a car allowance and bonus.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities to lead on impactful transformation projects.
• A supportive environment that values development and growth.