HR Business Partner (Public Sector)

MCS Group; Lisburn; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an HR Business Partner for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. This role involves providing HR advice, supporting operations, and ensuring compliance with HR policies. The ideal candidate will have a degree, CIPD membership, and significant experience in employee relations. Competitive salary and excellent benefits including a pension scheme and flexible working options are offered.

Benefits

NILGOSC Pension Scheme (19% employer contribution)

Hybrid and flexible working options

Gym access

Excellent annual leave allowance

Car parking

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience advising on core ER issues in a unionised environment.
• Experience providing HR advice to senior management.
• Sound understanding of current employee legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert HR advice on policies and terms & conditions.
• Develop HR solutions ensuring legal compliance.
• Support recruitment and training activities.
• Promote staff wellbeing initiatives.

Skills

HR Advice & Guidance

Stakeholder Engagement

HR Solutions

HR Analytics

Employee Relations

Policy Development

Education

Degree (Level 6) qualification

CIPD membership (Associate level +)

Job description

MCS Group are delighted to be partnering with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in their search for a HR Business Partner for the duration of 3 years (Fixed-Term contract).

This HR Business Partner role supports middle and senior managers across operational and support functions by providing professional HR advice and guidance. The postholder will help implement and ensure compliance with HR policies in line with the People & Culture strategy and contribute to a modern, responsive HR service that supports NIFRS's vision and mission.

The Role:

• HR Advice & Guidance: Provide expert HR advice to managers on policies, procedures, and terms & conditions in line with best practice and national agreements.
• Consistency Across HRBP Team: Ensure consistency of HR advice through collaboration and sharing of best practices with other HR Business Partners.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with NIFRS leadership, Board members, and Trade Unions.
• HR Solutions: Develop and implement HR solutions that ensure legal compliance, manage risk, and support effective outcomes.
• HR Analytics: Produce and present monthly HR data and insights to support management decision-making.
• Health & Wellbeing: Promote and coordinate staff wellbeing initiatives across the organisation.
• Recruitment Support: Support recruitment activities in collaboration with the Resourcing and Employee Services team.
• Training & Development: Design, deliver, and evaluate training for managers and staff on Employee Relations and HR topics.
• Policy Development: Research, develop, implement, and review HR policies in line with legislation and best practice.
• Employee Relations (ER): Advise and support on ER issues including discipline, grievance, performance, and attendance management.
• Case Management: Support ER case management processes including hearings, appeals, and tribunals, ensuring proper documentation and legal advice.
• Project Work: Contribute to HR-related projects and provide policy input to wider organisational initiatives.
• Support for Change: Provide HR support during organisational change and job evaluation processes.
• Team & Strategy Contribution: Contribute to team performance and support the delivery of the NIFRS People Strategy.
• Compliance & CPD: Ensure compliance with all frameworks and maintain up-to-date knowledge of HR legislation, policy, and good practice.

The Person

As the successful candidate you will have the following background and experience:

• Hold a Degree (Level 6) qualification.
• Current professional membership of CIPD (Associate level +).
• At least 3 years' experience providing advice on core ER issues including discipline, grievance, attendance management and dignity at work in a unionised environment.
• Have experience in providing professional HR advice on human resources matters to a senior level within the organisation
• Possess a full, current UK driving license.
• Sound understanding of current employee legislation.

Desirable:

• Have experience working as a HR Business Partner.
• Have working knowledge of Local Government terms and conditions.

What's in it for you?:

• Salary: £44,711 - £47,754
• NILGOSC Pension Scheme (19% employer contribution)
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Car parking
• Gym access
• Excellent annual leave allowance
• The opportunity to gain experience working in a position at the forefront of a public sector organisation committed to supporting their workforce and contributing to organisational success.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Meghan Hamilton, Senior Recruitment Consultant on 02896935508 or on email at [e-mail].

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs