HR Business Partner

CMA Recruitment Group; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A long-established SME in Portsmouth is seeking an HR Business Partner. This role involves advising on employee relations, drafting contracts, and supporting HR projects while ensuring compliance with UK employment law. Ideal candidates are CIPD qualified and possess strong communication skills. The position offers a full-time office-based role in a friendly team environment, with various benefits including parking.

Benefits

Parking

Friendly team environment

Opportunity to shape HR

Qualifications

• CIPD qualified with a minimum Level 5, Level 7 preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law.
• Comfortable working autonomously in an SME environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations issues.
• Draft and update employment contracts and HR policies.
• Support business change projects like restructures and TUPE transfers.

Skills

CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum)

Working knowledge of UK employment law

Excellent communication skills

Experience in employee relations

Job description

Overview

Our client, a long-established SME based in Portsmouth, Hampshire is seeking a HR Business Partner to join their fast-paced business. Offered on a 6-month duration basis, you will be the "go-to" expert for all things people and employment law related. You'll work closely with the leadership team to support day-to-day HR matters, lead on complex cases, and ensure the business remains legally compliant while keeping their people at the heart of every decision.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations issues, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance, and capability cases
• Draft and update employment contracts, handbooks, and HR policies in line with UK employment law and best practice
• Support business change projects such as restructures, TUPE transfers, and policy implementation
• Coach and support line managers on HR processes and employee engagement
• Lead on employment tribunal preparation and liaise with external legal partners where required
• Keep the business updated on changes to employment legislation and recommend proactive actions
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and compliant working culture

Qualifications

• CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum, Level 7 or Chartered status preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law with a solid background in handling complex ER matters
• Comfortable working autonomously in an SME environment with a practical, hands‑on approach
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to influence managers and directors
• A team player who enjoys working closely with people across the business
• Experience in a regulated, manufacturing, or engineering SME is a bonus but not essential

Benefits

• Office based role
• Full time, 37.5 hours per week
• Parking
• A friendly, down‑to‑earth team environment
• Opportunity to shape and support HR in a growing business

CMA complies with all relevant UK legislation and doesn't discriminate on any protected characteristics.