HR Business Partner (12-month contract)

Cambridge Consultants; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Company bonus

Flexible working patterns

Hybrid working

Medical insurance

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Sabbatical leave

Travel insurance

Company pension

Career development plans

Free breakfast and lunch in office

Onsite parking

Social events

Job summary

Cambridge Consultants is seeking a commercially minded Human Resources Business Partner to join the People Team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover basis. The role covers the full employee lifecycle and acts as a trusted advisor to managers on ER, people management and talent development.

You will drive a more data-led HR function, work with existing systems, improve reporting, and explore practical AI applications to boost productivity and the employee experience.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualified, or equivalent experience.
• Experience operating as an HR Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor or in a similar generalist HR role.
• Employee relations experience with a sound understanding of UK employment law.
• Demonstrable experience coaching and influencing managers at varying levels.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret and utilise people data to support business decisions.
• An interest in AI, technology and process improvement, with the ability to identify and implement practical solutions using existing tools and resources.
• Communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach, with the confidence to work independently and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Partner with managers in defined business areas to deliver effective people solutions that support business objectives.
• Provide expert advice on all aspects of employee relations, including absence, performance management, disciplinary, grievance, conduct and probation matters.
• Coach and develop managers to build confidence and capability in people management.
• Support organisational change processes where required.
• Contribute to talent management, succession planning and employee development initiatives.
• Support annual HR activities, including pay reviews, promotions and performance cycles.
• Monitor, analyse and interpret people data to provide meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Explore practical applications of AI and technology to improve productivity, reporting and the employee experience.

Skills

HRBP experience

UK employment law

People analytics

Coaching managers

Stakeholder management

AI interest

Communication skills

Proactive work style

Education

CIPD Level 5

Tools

HRIS systems

Data reporting tools

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a commercially minded Human Resources Business Partner to join our People Team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover basis. This is a broad and varied HR generalist role, coaching managers and employees across the full employee lifecycle. You will be a trusted advisor to people managers, providing pragmatic guidance on employee relations, people management and talent development. Alongside delivering excellent HR practice, you'll help us become a more data-led People function. Working with our existing systems and tools, you'll identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance reporting, and explore practical ways AI can support efficiency, insight and informed choices across HR activities. You should be someone who enjoys working things out, is comfortable with ambiguity and likes finding smarter ways to get things done. You'll bring a proactive and adaptable approach, build strong relationships across the business, and feel comfortable influencing and supporting others when it matters. We offer flexible working, with the expectation that you'll spend at least three days a week in the office. Depending on the work and projects you're involved in, there may also be times you'll be required to be in the office everyday.

What you'll be doing

• Partner with managers in defined business areas to deliver effective people solutions that support business objectives.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of employee relations, including absence, performance management, disciplinary, grievance, conduct and probation matters.
• Coach and develop managers to build confidence and capability in people management.
• Support organisational change processes where required.
• Contribute to talent management, succession planning and employee development initiatives.
• Support annual HR activities, including pay reviews, promotions and performance cycles.
• Monitor, analyse and interpret people data to provide meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Explore practical applications of AI and technology to improve productivity, reporting and the employee experience.

Contribute to People Team projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

What you need to succeed

• CIPD Level 5 qualified, or equivalent experience.
• Experience operating as an HR Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor or in a similar generalist HR role.
• Employee relations experience with a sound understanding of UK employment law.
• Demonstrable experience coaching and influencing managers at varying levels.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret and utilise people data to support business decisions.
• An interest in AI, technology and process improvement, with the ability to identify and implement practical solutions using existing tools and resources.
• Communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach, with the confidence to work independently and drive improvements.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to changing business needs.

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the option to buy 10 more a year)
• Company bonus (profit share)
• Flexible working patterns and hybrid working
• Medical insurance and group income protection
• Employee assistance programme and mental health support group
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• Sabbatical leave
• Travel insurance (business and leisure)
• Generous company pension plan
• Personalised career development and training plans
• Free subscription to professional bodies
• Free breakfast and two-course lunch in the office every day
• Free onsite parking and we are close to public transport links
• A variety of events organised by our social committee, ranging from summer and Christmas parties to board game nights and socials at our own rooftop bar!

By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.