Job Description

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.

Lead change. Shape the future

Are you a passionate and experienced HR professional ready to lead transformational change in a dynamic, values-driven organisation? Oxfordshire County Council is on a journey of organisational transformation to becoming an employer, partner and place shaper of choice, and we're seeking a Senior Organisational Change Specialist to play a pivotal role in delivering our People and Culture Strategy.

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is a progressive, people-focused authority committed to delivering outstanding services and shaping a thriving, inclusive workplace. Our HR & Cultural Change service is at the heart of this mission, driving innovation, continuous improvement, and cultural change to ensure our workforce is equipped for future challenges.
We live our values every day--always learning, being kind and caring, acting with equality and integrity, taking responsibility, and daring to do things differently.

About the Role

You will lead on complex and sensitive organisational change programmes, providing strategic and operational HR expertise to support managers and services through restructures, redundancy, TUPE, job redesign and other change initiatives. This is a hands-on role where you'll be responsible for advising on multiple initiatives simultaneously, coaching and empowering managers through change processes, and ensuring legal and procedural compliance within a unionised environment.
You will also lead formal consultation processes with employees and trade unions, collaborating across HR, Finance, and Organisational Development to ensure seamless delivery. Additionally, you will monitor and track all organisational change cases to manage risk and resources effectively, supporting a 'one team' ethos following our HR service redesign and fostering role clarity and collaboration. Your work will directly support the Council's People and Culture Strategy, helping build an agile, inclusive, and responsive organisation.

What we're looking or

We're looking for an experienced HR professional who:
Holds CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) or has demonstrable experience leading complex organisational change.
Has strong working knowledge of employment law, TUPE, redundancy, consultation processes and risk management.
Has excellent relationship-building and influencing skills at all levels of the organisation.
Thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines.
Is solutions-focused, balancing compliance, organisational goals, and a positive employee experience.
Brings energy, professionalism and empathy to sensitive change programmes.
Champions values-driven transformation and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

Play a vital role in shaping the future of Oxfordshire County Council.

Following our service redesign, the new HR & Cultural Change operating model ensures everyone has clarity on their role and remit, while reinforcing a 'one team' ethos. This is an exciting time to join us, as we take the next steps in our service together.

Rewards and benefits

Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working 30 days' holiday p.a. plus bank holidays Option to 'buy' additional holiday Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer's contribution of up to 19.9% Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

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