Join Our Team as a People Officer – Make a Real Difference Across Two Councils!

Are you ready to take your HR career to the next level in a role where your advice and expertise truly matter? Join our People & Organisational Development Team supporting Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council, and help us build an exceptional working environment for over 1,000 employees!

About the Role — People Officer

As a People Officer, you’ll be the go-to HR professional for your designated service areas, delivering expert, hands-on advice and support to managers and employees. You’ll play a vital role in employee relations, sickness management, recruitment, and organisational change — all while championing fair, consistent, and effective HR practices.

Pay & Hours

💷 £41,964 – £45,086

Full-time role based at The Burys, Godalming and Millmead House, Guildford

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: Support meaningful people strategies and help create a thriving workplace culture across two vibrant councils.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate colleagues who value wellbeing, innovation, and inclusivity.
• Career Growth: Access continuous learning opportunities and pathways to progress within a dynamic People & OD team.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a supportive approach to work-life balance.

Great Benefits:

• Local Government Pension Scheme – planning for your future
• Generous leave entitlement and flexible working arrangements
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• Inclusive, supportive workplace culture
• Convenient locations with free onsite parking and excellent transport links

What You’ll Do

• Deliver clear, practical, and legally sound advice on employee relations — managing cases such as disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence confidently from start to finish.
• Support managers with sickness absence management and wellbeing initiatives, promoting a culture of early intervention and psychological safety.
• Collaborate with resourcing teams to provide recruitment advice, support inclusive hiring practices, and contribute to workforce planning.
• Assist in organisational change processes — drafting consultation documents, attending meetings, and ensuring smooth transitions.
• Build trusted relationships within your service areas, acting as the first point of contact for HR queries and helping managers and teams perform at their best.
• Contribute to People & OD projects including employee engagement, equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI), and continuous improvement efforts.
• Keep up to date with HR policies and employment law, helping to embed best practice across both councils.

Who You Are

• A confident HR generalist with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experienced in handling complex employee relations and organisational change.
• Passionate about delivering consistent, fair, and supportive HR advice.
• Able to build strong partnerships with managers and work collaboratively across teams.
• Committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing in the workplace.

Ready to take your HR career further and help us shape a positive, inclusive future for Guildford and Waverley?

Apply now and join a team that values your expertise, energy, and ideas!