HR Business Partner

Wates Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and development company in the UK is seeking an HR Business Partner to influence people strategy across its operations. The role involves coaching managers, driving performance, and supporting HR best practices. The ideal candidate will have a CIPD Level 5 qualification, extensive HR experience, and strong communication skills. This position is based in Manchester and offers a dynamic workplace environment where your voice truly matters.

Benefits

Inclusive company culture

Opportunities for career growth

Recognition as Gold Investors in People

Qualifications

• Experience in HR within multi-site or operational environments.
• Confident and inspirational communicator.
• Hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Coach and empower managers to lead effectively.
• Drive HR performance and practices.
• Manage employee relations with empathy.

Skills

Generalist HR

Employment law knowledge

Communication

Coaching

Commercial awareness

Proactive problem-solving

Education

CIPD Level 5 preferred

Job description

The Vacancy

💬 Are you the kind of HR pro who thrives on variety, loves a challenge, and enjoys being where the action is?

If so, WPS wants you on board!

We’re on the lookout for a dynamic HR Business Partner to help us shape the future of our people strategy. This is your chance to make a real impact in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment where no two days are the same.

What’s the Role All About?

You’ll be the go‑to HR expert across our national operations, working closely with teams in Finsbury Park, Redditch, and Manchester. Expect to be on‑site at least 3 days a week—because great HR happens where the people are.

You’ll partner with operational leaders to :

• Coach and empower managers to lead with confidence 💪
• Drive performance through smart, consistent HR practices 📈
• Spot and grow talent like a pro 🌱
• Lead change with heart and strategy 🔄
• Navigate employee relations with empathy and clarity 💬
• Support reward and performance cycles with precision 🎁

And you won’t be doing it alone—you’ll have the full support of our central HR teams, including Shared Services and Centres of Excellence. Think of it as your HR toolkit, fully stocked and ready to go.

What We’re Looking For

• A graduate (CIPD Level 5 preferred) 🎓
• Experienced in generalist HR, especially in multi‑site or operational settings 🏭
• Well‑versed in employment law and HR best practice 📚
• A confident communicator and coach 🗣️
• Commercially savvy and people‑focused 💼❤️
• Proactive, hands‑on, and solutions‑driven 🔧
• Bonus points if you’ve worked in facilities management, housing, or field‑based ops 🏘️

Why WPS?

We’re proud of our inclusive, forward‑thinking culture. At WPS, your voice matters, your ideas count, and your career can truly flourish. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family‑owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises :

Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.

Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.

Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in, and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.