HR Business Partner

Oakleaf Partnership; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to enhance its HR function. This role involves providing HR support to senior stakeholders, managing employee relations, and overseeing HR activities throughout the employee lifecycle. The candidate should have experience in a professional services setting and hold a CIPD qualification. The position offers a hybrid working model with Cheltenham as the base and regular travel to London.

Qualifications

• Experience as an HR Business Partner or HR Manager in a professional services setting.
• Solid knowledge of UK employment law.
• Hands-on experience managing complex ER issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and coaching on HR matters.
• Handle ER casework ensuring compliance.
• Support recruitment activities.
• Lead on HR initiatives and policy development.
• Deliver HR calendar activities.
• Collaborate for high-quality service.

Skills

HR Business Partner experience

Employee relations expertise

Performance management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

Job description

A leading professional services firm is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to support the ongoing development and improvement of its HR function. This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a broad, impactful role within a collaborative and forward-thinking HR team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of HR, the HR Business Partner will work closely with senior stakeholders and line managers, providing proactive HR support across a defined client group. The focus will be on supporting legal and business support teams, helping to drive performance through effective people management, development, and engagement strategies – while also managing day-to-day HR operations.

This is a hands-on, business-facing role requiring strong generalist experience, particularly in employee relations, performance management, and delivering HR activity across the full employee lifecycle. The role also supports key HR calendar activities such as talent reviews, promotions, and workforce planning.

Working as part of a small HR team, the role involves close collaboration with recruitment, L&D, reward, and HR operations colleagues to deliver a seamless service. There will also be opportunities to contribute to wider HR projects, policy development, and process improvement initiatives in partnership with the Head of HR.

As a senior member of the team, the HR Business Partner will also support and coach less experienced HR colleagues and provide guidance on more complex issues across the wider business when appropriate.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering with managers to provide expert advice and coaching on performance, employee relations, engagement, and development matters.

• Personally handling ER casework to ensure best practice, legal compliance, and consistent outcomes.

• Supporting recruitment activities and contributing to future resourcing plans.

• Leading or supporting on HR initiatives including succession planning, policy development, and process improvements.

• Supporting delivery of HR calendar activities such as reviews, promotions, and reward cycles.

• Collaborating with colleagues across the HR function to ensure a joined-up, high-quality service.

• Based in Cheltenham, with regular travel to the London office (typically several times per month).

About You

This role will suit a confident, capable HR professional with strong experience in a generalist HR role. You will bring:

• Experience as an HR Business Partner or HR Manager in a professional services setting (legal sector experience is highly desirable).

• A CIPD qualification at Level 5 (or above), or an equivalent HR qualification.

• Solid knowledge of UK employment law and hands-on experience managing complex ER issues.

• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

• A proactive, collaborative and pragmatic approach, with a strong eye for detail and process.

The Environment

You’ll join a supportive, forward-thinking HR team in a values-driven organisation. The team is currently working on several exciting projects, including the implementation of a new HRIS, a refreshed DEI strategy, and key policy reviews. This is a great opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the HR agenda while helping to shape and evolve the role.

Working Arrangements and Package

• Hybrid working model (typically 2 days per week from home)

• Cheltenham office base, with regular travel to London