HR Business Partner

Abbeycroft Leisure; Bury St Edmunds; Hybrid; GBP 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A community impact organisation is seeking a proactive HR Business Partner to join their team in Bury St Edmunds. This hybrid role involves mentoring the HR team, collaborating with managers on HR practices, and providing strategic advice on employee relations. A Level 5 CIPD qualification and strong understanding of UK employment law are essential. The organization offers a supportive workplace culture with benefits including generous leave and membership perks.

Benefits

Multisite membership

Free child swims

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme with NEST

Westfield Health Benefits

Qualifications

• Strong background in employee relations and UK employment legislation.
• Awareness of emerging legislation, including the Employment Rights Bill.
• A coaching approach and collaborative spirit.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support the HR team, fostering a culture of continuous growth.
• Collaborate with managers to embed fair HR practices.
• Provide hands-on advice tailored to the charity and leisure sector.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Strategic mindset

Education

Level 5 CIPD qualification

Job description

HR Business Partner (Employee Relations Specialist & Strategic Projects) – 25-30 hours per week – £38,000 per annum (pro-rata). Hybrid working arrangements (Bury Leisure Centre & homeworking).

This is an exciting opportunity to join our busy, friendly HR team at Abbeycroft, where we support around 475 staff across 12 sites. We’re passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive workplace, and we’re looking for someone who shares our values of community, integrity, pride, and teamwork.

About Abbeycroft

Abbeycroft is more than a leisure provider – we’re a community impact organisation. Over the years, our HR function has evolved from operational support to a strategic driver of change. As our organisation grows and becomes more complex, we’re investing in specialist support to help us navigate the future with confidence.

We’ve built a culture of openness, collaboration, and continuous learning. Our team is hard-working, ambitious, and proud of the HR brand we’re developing. We celebrate achievements and are passionate about the impact our work has on the community, here, your job matters.

The Role

We’re seeking a knowledgeable and proactive HR Business Partner with strong expertise in employee relations and employment law, and a desire to support and develop others. You’ll be a trusted advisor to managers and stakeholders, offering confidential guidance on complex ER issues and contributing to strategic HR projects. You’ll also:

• Mentor and support the HR team, fostering a culture of continuous growth.
• Collaborate with managers to embed fair, inclusive, and legally sound HR practices.
• Support the HR Manager and CEO in delivering our HR Service Delivery Plan.
• Sense-check and contribute to organisational development initiatives.
• Deliver insightful training on employment law and its impact on our sector.
• Provide hands-on advice tailored to the charity and leisure sector, with awareness of the unique OD challenges it presents.

What You Will Bring

• Strong background in employee relations and UK employment legislation.
• Awareness of emerging legislation, including the Employment Rights Bill.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to influence and drive change.
• A coaching approach and collaborative spirit.
• Willingness to travel to other Abbeycroft sites as needed.

What We Offer

• Multisite membership for you and a discounted one for someone you live with.
• Free child swims (excluding lessons).
• Generous annual leave: 24 days (under 5 years’ service), 28 days (over 5 years).
• Pension scheme with NEST.
• Westfield Health Benefits: mental and physical health resources, financial support, 24/7 access to DoctorLine, Togetherall, and discounts on high street stores and restaurants.

Qualifications

• Essential - Level 5 CIPD qualification (highly desirable to have the Level 7 qualification, or working towards).

Closing Date: 12th September 2025 – please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

As a Disability Confident Employer we encourage you to let us know if you require reasonable adjustments to any part of the recruitment/selection process. We will guarantee an interview to a candidate with a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010, if they otherwise meet the minimum selection requirements.