HR Business Partner

Compass Group PLC; Chertsey; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering and hospitality firm is seeking an HR Business Partner to provide proactive HR support and align people strategies with business objectives. The role involves managing HR queries, guiding on policies, and supporting recruitment. The ideal candidate will be CIPD qualified with strong communication skills and experience in HRBP roles. Flexibility for hybrid or remote working is available, providing an opportunity to influence employee engagement and culture positively.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Bonus

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven experience in a HRBP or generalist HR role.
• Confident in managing multiple priorities and working autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for HR-related queries.
• Support recruitment activity and advise on job descriptions.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Attention to detail

Ability to build relationships

Education

CIPD qualified or equivalent experience

Job description

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.

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 and signpost talent development, and succession planning.
• Assist in the implementation of organisational change initiatives, including restructures, TUPE transfers, and other transformation projects.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning across Foodbuy and Central Functions.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support recruitment activity by advising on job descriptions, interviewing, and selection processes.
• Assist in 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

• Assist managers with the performance review process, including setting objectives and providing constructive feedback.
• Identify training and development needs, coordinating learning opportunities and supporting career progression.
• Analyse HR metrics to identify trends 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.

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

Qualifications

• 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

Location & Working Arrangements

Benefits

• Competitive Salary plus bonus and pension scheme