Human Resources Business Partner - Level 3

Role overview

Torbay Council is seeking an experienced Human Resources Business Partner to join its Corporate Services department. This position sits within a small, collaborative HR team and focuses on delivering high-quality operational HR support and guidance to managers and employees across the organisation.

The post calls for a strong generalist HR professional with hands-on experience in change management, TUPE, UK employment law, and providing confident people advice in a fast-moving public sector environment.

Working arrangement

This is a hybrid position with a 22.2-hour working week. You will need to attend the office for at least 7.4 hours each week. The office base is in Torquay, England, United Kingdom.

What the role involves

• Partnering with managers and employees to provide practical HR advice and operational support.
• Advising on a broad range of HR matters affecting the council and schools.
• Using analysis, research, and legislative information to support business decisions.
• Offering constructive challenge and influencing colleagues at all levels across internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing competing deadlines while keeping work organised and prioritised.
• Handling complex employee relations matters, including risk-aware interpretation of legislation.
• Supporting consultations and negotiations with trade unions.

Skills and knowledge required

The successful candidate should bring excellent communication skills, strong analytical ability, and the confidence to present information clearly to different audiences. A thorough grasp of UK employment law, HR policies and procedures, employee relations, and job evaluation frameworks is essential. The role also requires experience with GLPC and Hay job evaluation schemes, plus knowledge of NJC and JNC terms and conditions.

Experience and qualifications

You should have substantial experience working in an HR team and providing specialist, strategic advice to employees, managers, schools, academies, and other external organisations. The council is looking for someone educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant, demonstrable experience. CIPD Level 7 or above is required.

Additional information

Application deadline: 23 June 2026.

Interviews are expected during the week commencing 13 July 2026.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

In some cases, vacancies may close before the advertised deadline, so early application is encouraged.

For an informal discussion, contact Michelle Gruber on 07771 772433 or michelle.gruber@torbay.gov.uk.

Compensation

Salary is £42,839 to £46,142 per year.

Candidate profile

This opportunity is suited to someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working in a proactive team, and is comfortable delivering confident HR advice across a varied workload.