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Project Lead HRBP - Absence

Salary: Up to £30 per hour
Location: Widnes

 

Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced and driven Project Lead to take ownership of a high-impact absence management project, working from within the HR Business Partner (HRBP) Team.

This is a hybrid role (3 days in the office, 2 days remote) based at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes, offering a unique opportunity to lead a strategic piece of work as part of the Council's wider Transformation Programme. The aim is to improve attendance, reduce absenteeism-related costs, and embed long-term change across the organisation.

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly experienced HR professional with significant expertise in absence management and a proven track record of leading or contributing to HR projects.

As the Project Lead, you will:

  • Be the key figure within the HRBP service responsible for driving the absence management project forward.

  • Lead on the design, development and delivery of the project's strategic action plan.

  • Work closely with HRBPs, senior leaders, service managers and trade unions to implement sustainable attendance improvements across key service areas.

  • Use data insight to target interventions and ensure measurable impact aligned to organisational goals.

You will play a hands-on role in both the strategy and the delivery - developing the plan and leading its implementation across the organisation.

What We're Looking For:

  • Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional HR credentials, with evidence of continuous professional development.

  • Extensive HR experience, particularly in absence management and complex casework.

  • Demonstrable experience of leading or delivering projects, preferably in a public sector or unionised environment.

  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law, ACAS Codes and HR policy frameworks.

  • Skilled in using HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and track progress.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills - able to influence and lead at all levels.

  • Ability to plan and manage work at pace, meeting deadlines with resilience and flexibility.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Leading the absence management project from within the HRBP Team - designing, developing and delivering a detailed action plan.

  • Collaborating with key stakeholders to drive forward targeted interventions where absence exceeds Council targets.

  • Analysing HR data to identify trends and evaluate the impact of project actions.

  • Reporting regularly to the Programme Management Office and Transformation Programme Board.

  • Supporting, coaching and advising managers on policy implementation and best practice absence management.

  • Leading communication and engagement efforts with managers, employees and trade unions.

  • Ensuring the sustainability of improved attendance through policy, systems and cultural change.

  • Contributing to the wider HR and transformation agenda within the Council.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take a leadership role in shaping the future of attendance management at Halton Borough Council. You'll lead a significant change project within a supportive HRBP team, helping to build a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Connect2Halton is a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.