HR Business Partner

Compass Group UK; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service organization is looking for an HR Business Partner to support core functional teams in Birmingham. You will provide proactive HR support and foster a positive work environment. Responsibilities include managing HR queries, employee relations, onboarding, and engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate is CIPD qualified with experience in a HRBP role within a fast-paced environment. This position offers flexibility for hybrid or remote working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven experience in a HRBP or generalist HR role.
• Ability to build relationships at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for HR-related queries.
• Support management of employee relations cases.
• Assist in managing absence and occupational health referrals.
• Partner with managers to deliver tailored HR solutions.
• Facilitate effective onboarding and induction of new starters.

Skills

CIPD qualified

Excellent interpersonal skills

Problem-solving abilities

Confident in managing multiple priorities

Education

CIPD or equivalent experience

Job description

HR Business Partner (Central Functions)

Position Overview

The HR Business Partner for Central Functions will play a pivotal role in supporting the core functional teams of Compass Group and Foodbuy.

This position is responsible for providing proactive and pragmatic HR support to management and leadership teams, ensuring the effective delivery of people strategies that align with business objectives.

The HRBP will be instrumental in fostering a positive work environment, driving employee engagement, and supporting the continuous development of both individuals and teams.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day People Support

• Act as the first point of contact for HR-related queries and issues for Central Functions management
• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, ensuring compliance with legal and company standards
• Support the management of employee relations cases, such as disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters, ensuring fair and timely resolution
• Assist in managing absence, return-to-work processes, and occupational health referrals as required

Management & Leadership Support

• Partner with managers and leaders to understand business needs and deliver tailored HR solutions.
• Offer coaching and advice to management on people management,support andsignpost talent development, and succession planning.
• Assistin the implementation of organisational change initiatives, including restructures, TUPE transfers, and other transformation projects.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning acrossFoodbuy andCentral Functions.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support recruitment activity by advising on job descriptions, interviewing, and selection processes.
• Assistin benchmarking positions to ensure consistency and fairness.
• Facilitate effective onboarding and induction for new starters to ensure a smooth transition into the business.

Performance Lead

• Assistmanagers with the performance review process, including settingobjectivesand providing constructive feedback.

Training & Development

• Identify training and development needs, coordinating learning opportunities and supporting career progression.
• Analyse HR metrics toidentifytrends and recommend actions for improvement.

Employee Engagement & Wellbeing

• Support initiatives that drive employee engagement, wellbeing, and a positive workplace culture
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation.

Skills and Experience

• CIPD qualified (or equivalent experience) with a strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven experience in a HRBP or generalist HR role, ideally within a large, fast-paced organisation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a pragmatic approach to resolving complex issues.
• Confident in managing multiple priorities and working autonomously.
• Experience supporting central or support functions (e.g. Finance, IT, Procurement, HR, Marketing) is desirable.

Key Competencies

• Business acumen and commercial awareness
• Influencing and coaching skills
• Attention to detail and organisational skills
• Resilience and adaptability
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is based in the Central Functions offices (Birmingham, London, Chertsey), with flexibility for hybrid or remote working as appropriate to business needs.