Human Resources Business Partner

Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for a People Operations Partner based in Manchester. This role requires an experienced HR Generalist or HR Advisor with a strong background in employee relations. The successful applicant will provide strategic HR support across two locations, influencing HR processes and culture. The position offers a competitive salary up to £45k, a discretionary bonus, and various employee benefits, including a matched pension scheme, remote working options, and additional leave perks.

Benefits

10% discretionary bonus

4% matched pension

CIPD Level 7 support

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Additional day off for your birthday

Discounted gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Death in service (4x salary)

Cycle-to-work scheme

Eye tests & flu jabs

Enhanced maternity & paternity packages

Management incentive scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a generalist HR / HR Advisor role with strong exposure to ER.
• Comfortable working autonomously across multiple sites.
• Excellent analytical skills for HR data reporting (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Act as the People Partner for two offices in Manchester.
• Lead and support on ER matters including capability, disciplinary, and grievance.
• Coach managers to develop confidence and capability in handling people issues.
• Contribute to HR projects, including a new HRIS implementation.

Skills

Empowerment in employee relations

Autonomous working

Strong understanding of UK employment law

Managing ER cases

Process improvements exposure

Supporting managers

Education

CIPD Level 5 (completed or working towards)

Job description

People Operations Partner – Manchester – Up to £45k basic + bonus

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a People Operations Partner to join a growing HR function and play a key role in shaping people strategy, employee experience, and culture across the business.

This role is perfect for an experienced HR Generalist or HR Advisor who thrives in employee relations, enjoys partnering with managers, and is now ready to step into a more strategic, influential HR Business Partner position. You’ll be the HR presence across two Manchester sites, working autonomously day-to-day while being part of a supportive and collaborative wider HR team.

Benefits

• Up to £45k basic salary (DOE)
• 10% discretionary bonus
• 4% matched pension
• Support available for CIPD Level 7
• Up to 3 remote working days per month (pre-booked)
• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Death in service (4x salary)
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Perks at Work
• Eye tests & flu jabs
• Enhanced maternity & paternity packages
• Management incentive scheme

Role

• Act as the dedicated People Partner for two Manchester offices, building strong relationships with managers and senior leaders
• Lead and support on a range of ER matters (capability, disciplinary, grievance, performance & absence); typically a small caseload of around five active cases
• Coach and guide managers to develop confidence and capability in handling people issues
• Support and deliver wider HR initiatives across culture, engagement, well-being and performance
• Play a key role in business-wide HR projects, including a new HRIS implementation (involved from selection to rollout and training)
• Work on process improvement, lifecycle activities, and alignment with upcoming legislation
• Contribute to change management and organisational development work
• Bring insight, ideas, and feedback to influence the wider people strategy
• Travel occasionally to other UK offices when needed (typically quarterly)

Skills Required

• Experience in a generalist HR / HR Advisor role with strong exposure to ER
• Excellent understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Ability to manage ER cases up to appeal level
• Experience supporting managers through a variety of people processes
• Exposure to HR projects or process improvements
• Comfortable working autonomously across multiple sites

Experience & Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 (completed or working towards) or equivalent experience
• Background in a fast-paced, commercial environment
• Experience analysing HR data and reporting (desirable)
• HRIS project or implementation experience (highly advantageous)
• Recruitment sector experience is a bonus but not essential

If you’re an ambitious HR professional looking to step into a broader, more strategic partnering role with plenty of autonomy and project involvement, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV to be considered.