HR Business Partner

Ipsum; Chorley; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR solutions provider is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner in Chorley. You will play a key role in aligning HR strategy with business goals, supporting operational divisions in the utilities sector. This role requires a proactive HR professional with CIPD Level 5 qualification and strong experience in change management. You'll lead workshops, manage HR projects, and foster employee engagement. The position provides a hybrid working model with attractive benefits, including 25 days of annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working

Group Personal Pension Plan

Career development opportunities

24/7 virtual GP access

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience from the utilities sector is preferred.
• Proven track record in leading complex change projects.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver workshops for line managers on HR skills.
• Support recruitment activities from advertising to onboarding.
• Champions employee engagement and relations.

Skills

Proactive HR strategy alignment

People management

Change management

Employment law knowledge

Relationship building

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

Degree-level education

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

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.

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