FTC HR and Development Adviser – Maternity Cover Contract

Are you an experienced HR professional looking for a varied and rewarding role where you can make a real impact? We are seeking a proactive and knowledgeable HR & Development Adviser to join our HR team on a fixed-term maternity cover basis up to 31st December 2027. The ideal candidate would be available to commence employment between September and October 2026.

Working closely with the Head of HR & Development, you will provide a comprehensive HR advisory service to managers and employees across the organisation, supporting the effective recruitment, development, wellbeing and retention of our workforce. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your employee relations expertise, influence positive organisational outcomes and contribute to the delivery of key HR and learning initiatives.

About the Role

As HR & Development Adviser, you will:

• Provide professional HR advice and guidance to managers on a wide range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and attendance issues.
• Lead and support end-to-end recruitment and selection activities, ensuring best practice and a positive candidate experience.
• Advise on terms and conditions of employment, flexible working requests, family leave arrangements and HR policies.
• Develop, implement and review HR policies, procedures and projects that support organisational objectives.
• Produce management information and HR statistics, including workforce reports, sickness data and statutory returns.
• Build productive relationships with managers, employees and trade union representatives.
• Line manage the HR Assistant, ensuring the efficient delivery of HR, Recruitment and Pensions administration and support.
• Support the maintenance and development of the Council’s HR and recruitment systems and e-learning platform.
• Lead on and assist the Head of HR & Development with a variety of project work linked to Local Government reorganisation.
• Represent HR on corporate groups and contribute to strategic HR initiatives.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent) with relevant HR experience.
• Experienced in providing professional HR advice across a broad range of HR disciplines.
• Confident handling sensitive and complex employee relations matters.
• Skilled at building relationships and influencing managers at all levels.

Why Join Us?

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work across the full HR spectrum in a supportive and collaborative environment, helping to shape employee experience and organisational success. If you’re a motivated HR professional who enjoys variety, challenge and making a positive difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Discover what it’s like to work at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and explore the benefits we offer by clicking here: Working for us – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

Apply Now

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sophie Budgen, HR and Development Adviser at Sophie.budgen@tmbc.gov.uk.

Closing Date: 2 August 2026
Interview Date: 7 or 10 August 2026.

Tagged as: human resources