Human Resources Business Partner

Acosta (Europe); Stoke-on-Trent, Woking; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Pension plan

Paid time off

Volunteer day

Career development

Company tools

Inclusive culture

Employee engagement

Job summary

Acosta Group Europe is seeking an experienced People Business Partner to deliver proactive HR support across designated business areas. You will partner with leaders to embed the people strategy, improve colleague experience and drive performance, working in a hybrid setup with offices in Stoke-on-Trent or Woking.

You will balance strategic input with hands-on delivery across the employee lifecycle, using data and insights to influence decisions and support long-term business objectives, while

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent), with CIPD Level 7 desirable.
• Strong experience in Employee Relations (ER) and TUPE processes.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results.
• Collaborative team player with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Experience building relationships with managers, employees, and Trade Unions.
• Experience in a similar dynamic, fast-moving industry or business environment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic HR partnership: develop and deliver people plans with leaders to support client and organisational objectives.
• Employee relations: advise on a wide range of people matters and manage ER cases.
• Performance, talent & development: drive performance management and succession planning with L&D support.
• Change management & organisational effectiveness: support restructures, TUPE and transformation projects.
• Engagement & culture: promote wellbeing, diversity and inclusive culture.
• Recruitment & onboarding: support end-to-end recruitment and onboarding processes.
• People data & reporting: analyse metrics to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
• Operational HR support: provide day-to-day guidance and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Stakeholder management

UK employment law

Change management

Organisational skills

HR business partnering

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

CIPD Level 7 desirable

Tools

HR systems

Job description

Salary: £41,400 per annum.

Contract: Full time - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Hybrid Working (3 days a week from our Stoke on Trent or Woking office)

About Acosta Group Europe

Acosta Europe connects people with brands to deliver measurable results through unrivalled field execution, insight and collaboration. As part of a global business, we champion talent, culture and performance – empowering people to thrive and brands to grow.

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded People Business Partner to deliver a high‑quality, proactive, and solutions‑focused people service across our business.

In this role, you'll work closely with managers and senior stakeholders to embed our people strategy, improve colleague experience, drive performance, and support the business in achieving its objectives.

About our People Business Partner

As a People Business Partner, you'll act as a trusted advisor to leaders, balancing strategic HR input with hands‑on operational delivery. You'll support designated business areas through all aspects of the employee lifecycle, using insight and data to influence decisions and drive positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Partnership

As a trusted HR Business Partner, you will work closely with leaders and stakeholders across the business to develop and deliver people plans that support both client and organisational objectives. You'll take a proactive approach to identifying people-related risks, implementing practical solutions that drive performance, engagement, and business success. Acting as a key advisor, you will build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation, championing our employer brand, values, and ways of working while delivering the people strategy within your designated business areas.

Employee Relations

You will be the first point of contact for colleague and manager queries, providing expert advice and guidance on a wide range of people matters. Managing employee relations cases from start to resolution, you'll ensure policies are applied fairly, consistently, and in line with employment legislation. A key part of the role will involve coaching and developing managers, helping them build confidence and capability in managing their teams effectively.

Performance, Talent & Development

Working in partnership with leaders and the wider People team, you will drive performance management activities and support the delivery of talent and succession planning initiatives. You'll identify development opportunities across the business and collaborate with Learning & Development teams to ensure colleagues have access to effective training and growth opportunities that support both individual and organisational success.

Change Management & Organisational Effectiveness

You will play an active role in supporting organisational change programmes, including restructures, consultations, TUPE transfers, and wider transformation projects. Using your HR expertise and commercial mindset, you'll contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance organisational effectiveness and support long-term business objectives.

Engagement & Culture

Creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture will be central to your role. You'll support initiatives that promote colleague engagement, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and employee voice, helping to foster a culture where people can thrive and perform at their best.

Recruitment & Onboarding

Partnering closely with hiring managers and our internal Talent Acquisition team, you will support the end-to-end recruitment and onboarding process. You'll help attract and retain top talent, ensuring a positive candidate and new starter experience while supporting managers to make informed hiring decisions.

People Data & Reporting

You'll be responsible for producing and analysing people metrics, providing meaningful insight to support business decision-making. Through the interpretation of data relating to turnover, absence, training, employee engagement, and exit feedback, you'll identify trends, make recommendations, and help drive continuous improvement across the business.

Operational HR Support

Alongside strategic partnering activity, you'll provide day-to-day HR guidance and support to managers and colleagues, ensuring policies and procedures are applied consistently. You'll maintain accurate employee records, documentation, and HR systems, ensuring compliance and supporting the smooth running of HR operations.

What are we looking for?

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent), with CIPD Level 7 desirable.
• Strong experience in Employee Relations (ER) and TUPE processes.
• Excellent working knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Highly organised and methodical, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, meeting deadlines and delivering results.
• A collaborative team player with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Experience building and maintaining positive relationships with managers, employees, and Trade Unions.
• Previous experience within a similar dynamic, fast-moving industry or business environment.
• Strong communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills at all levels of the organisation.

Why join Acosta Group Europe?

• Comprehensive Healthcare – medical, dental, vision, plus Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous Pension Plan – Growing contributions as your service increases helping you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off – 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays to recharge,
• Paid Volunteering Day – Make a difference in your community.
• Career Development – access to Acosta University and internal promotion programs.
• Company Tools – Including state of the art technology to ensure you are set up for success, including Laptop and mobile phone.
• Inclusive Culture – supportive, diverse, and values-driven environment.
• Employee Engagement – social events, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives.

At Acosta Group Europe, we believe diversity and inclusion are the foundation of innovation and success. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.