HR Change Lead

Job Title: HR Change Lead (Strategic & Enabling HR)
Location: Dorchester (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Temporary (Up to 12 months)

Hours: Full time or part time (minimum 21 hours per week - flexible and can accommodate school hours)
Salary: -22.85 to -26.06 per hour (DOE)

About Us

Connect2Dorset is the managed service provider for Dorset Council, delivering high-quality temporary, contract, and interim staffing solutions. We pride ourselves on being an ethical, transparent, and people-focused organisation, committed to supporting both our clients and candidates.

Dorset Council is mid-transformation. Our Future Council programme is reshaping how the organisation works, and phase two brings increasing complexity. This is a pivotal time to join and make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

We are recruiting an experienced HR Change Lead to play a central role in delivering people-focused organisational change as part of phase two of the Our Future Council transformation programme.

This is a strategic and enabling HR role, working at the heart of complex, organisation-wide change. You will partner closely with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and colleagues across OD and Change to ensure change is delivered effectively, with people at the centre.

You will lead on a range of people change activities, including restructures, and provide both strategic and operational HR expertise. This role offers significant visibility across the council and the opportunity to influence real decisions that directly impact services and employees.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working model
• Typically office attendance around once per fortnight
• Increased on-site presence required during June due to key meetings and programme activity

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver people-focused change initiatives, including organisational restructures
• Provide expert strategic and operational HR advice to senior leaders and stakeholders
• Partner with HR Business Partners and senior management to support complex change programmes
• Work collaboratively with OD and Change teams to deliver joined-up, flexible solutions
• Support and guide managers through change processes with clarity and confidence
• Ensure robust governance and compliance throughout all change activity
• Lead on complex employee relations matters linked to organisational change
• Build and maintain positive, constructive relationships with recognised Trade Unions
• Contribute to the successful delivery of phase two of the transformation programme

Skills & Experience

• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• Proven experience leading complex organisational change and employee relations casework
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
• Strong judgement, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels
• A calm, clear, and confident approach in complex or ambiguous situations
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and able to work at pace
• Experience working in large, complex organisations or public sector environments is desirable

What''s in it for You

• Opportunity to work on a high-profile, live transformation programme
• Exposure to a wide range of services across the council
• Meaningful work with direct impact on people and organisational outcomes
• Access to experienced colleagues and ongoing development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and adaptable hours

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.