Hr Business Partner

Ipsum; Bolton Green; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR consulting firm in the UK seeks an experienced HR Business Partner to support operational divisions across the utilities sector. The ideal candidate will drive HR strategy, engage employees, and lead change projects. Key responsibilities include delivering workshops, managing an HR Apprentice, and preparing HR reports. Candidates should have strong knowledge of employment law, be CIPD qualified, and possess excellent IT skills. This role allows significant impact in an evolving organization.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working

Group Personal Pension Plan

Car allowance

Career development opportunities

Mental health support

Cycle to Work scheme

Discount club

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Proven track record of leading complex change projects.
• Ability to build relationships at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted workshops for line managers.
• Support recruitment activities to enhance candidate experience.
• Prepare monthly HR reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Experience in the utilities sector

Strong knowledge of employment law

Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office, SharePoint)

Resilience and adaptability

Coaching and mentoring skills

Education

CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum)

Educated to degree level

Job description

HR Business Partner – Chorley (includes business travel)

What’s in it for you…

We believe in looking after our people, and it shows. When you join Ipsum, you’re not just taking a job — you’re starting a career with real support behind it.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy more
• Hybrid working
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Car allowance
• Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
• 24 / 7 access to a virtual GP and Mental health support & counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more!
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Active local social committees
• Regular social events

About the role…

We are looking for an experienced and proactive HR Business Partner to join our team at Ipsum, supporting our operational divisions across the utilities sector. This role is key to aligning HR strategy with business goals, working closely with the Head of HR (Operations) to deliver a people-focused plan that drives performance and engagement.

You’ll lead the delivery of local HR projects, partner with line managers to embed best practices, and play a hands‑on role in shaping our culture. As part of your remit, you’ll also line manage an HR Apprentice—providing guidance and mentorship as they grow within the team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in a growing business.

As an HR Business Partner you will…

• Deliver targeted workshops to boost line manager skills in disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, and more
• Empower managers to take ownership of everyday people issues and become more self‑sufficient
• Support recruitment activities—advertising, screening, interviewing, onboarding—to enhance candidate experience
• Champion employee engagement and positive relations through proactive collaboration with managers
• Partner with Head of HR (Operations) to implement engagement action plans that drive performance
• Embed PeopleHR across divisions to strengthen accountability and enable cultural change
• Maintain real‑time accuracy of operational data within PeopleHR
• Coordinate with Head of HR (Operations) on TUPE, acquisitions, integration, restructuring, and redundancy
• Coach managers on handling difficult conversations and resolving issues informally
• Provide pragmatic, risk‑aware HR advice to managers, escalating to Head of HR (Operations) when needed
• Prepare monthly HR reports for senior leadership and board‑level business reviews
• Use HR metrics to generate insights and drive performance improvements across operational teams

About you…

We are looking for a confident and experienced HR Business Partner who thrives in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment. Ideally, you’ll bring experience from the utilities sector and have a strong grasp of employment law, with a proven track record of leading complex change projects such as restructures, TUPE, and variations to terms and conditions. You’ll be comfortable building relationships at all levels, influencing stakeholders, and driving meaningful business impact through strategic HR initiatives.

You’ll be CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum) and educated to degree level, with excellent IT skills across Microsoft Office and SharePoint. Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to personal development are key, as is the ability to navigate change with confidence. If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to take ownership of your HRBP remit, we’d love to hear from you.

Our commitment to Equal Opportunities...

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Before applying, please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we process your data in line with GDPR