People Business Partner

Nova Systems International; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services company is seeking a People Business Partner to drive HR initiatives across the UK, Ireland, Norway, and Singapore. The role involves providing strategic people support, managing the full HR lifecycle, and coaching leaders on compliance and employee relations. The company offers flexible working conditions, a competitive pension, and a supportive culture.

Benefits

Matched contributory pension up to 8.5%

Annual Professional Development Allowance up to £3000

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working conditions

Life insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR business partnering.
• Strong understanding of HR policy and industrial relations.
• Experience in performance management and employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to support workforce planning and change management.
• Manage the full HR lifecycle and ensure positive new starter experiences.
• Provide coaching on employee relations and compliance issues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Understanding of employment legislation

Education

Qualification in Human Resources or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Hybrid, 4 or 5 days/week Filton, Bristol BS34 7PZ

Nova Systems is a leading engineering services and technology solutions company, partnering with our clients to keep our nations and people safe and secure. At Nova, we work collaboratively to achieve our vision and our strategic objectives, whilst staying true to our values of Trust, Professionalism, Community and Passion. We collectively contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace, valuing diversity in all its forms.

The Role - People Business Partner

As a People Business Partner for the international business, you are responsible for partnering with leaders across four countries (UK, Ireland, Norway and Singapore) to deliver proactive, solutions-focused people support that aligns with business priorities and enhances the employee experience. You will provide end-to-end advice across the full spectrum of people and culture activities including workforce planning, performance, engagement, change management, and employee relations.

Working closely with the small but perfectly formed International People team and the wider Group People and Performance team, you will champion initiatives and projects that contribute to a safe, inclusive, and high-performing culture, while enabling leaders to effectively manage and develop their people.

What we are looking for

• Qualification in Human Resources, Business or related discipline, or relevant experience in a generalist HR role
• Proven experience in a HR business partnering or advisory capacity
• Strong understanding of employment legislation, industrial relations and HR policy
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and coach stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution capabilities
• Experience in performance management, employee relations, and organisational change support
• Ability to use workforce data to inform decisions and drive people outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices and supporting a positive workplace culture
• Right to work in the UK without Sponsorship

Nova's Value Proposition

• Up to 8.5% (matched) contributory pension
• Up to £3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance
• Up to £300 towards Professional Membership Subscriptions
• Personal Development Leave - 5 days/yr
• 25 days of Annual Leave per year plus bank holidays
• Reservist Leave - 5 Days
• Flexible working conditions
• Life Insurance
• Vitality (UK) Health Insurance
• Great discounts at leading retailers
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members
• An inclusive and supportive culture
• Reward & Recognition Programme

Key Accountabilities of the Role

Strategic Partnering

• Build strong relationships with business leaders to understand their priorities and challenges.
• Provide high-quality, strategic advice to enable effective workforce planning, change leadership and talent management.
• Support leaders in aligning their people plans with organisational values and goals.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of people initiatives that drive performance, engagement, and culture.

HR Operations & Lifecycle Management

• Manage the full HR lifecycle from onboarding through to exit interviews, ensuring managers are well supported and new starters have a positive experience.
• Report on key HR metrics including ER, turnover, key exit interview themes.

Employee Relations and Case Management

• Provide coaching and support to leaders in managing employee relations issues, including performance management, conduct, and grievances.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy, and industrial relations.
• Manage the resolution of people matters in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records in line with policy and privacy requirements.
• Review and update policy and procedure in line with legislative changes and developments

Workforce Planning and Organisational Change

• Support the development and implementation of workforce plans in collaboration with leaders and the workforce planning team.
• Provide advice on organisational design, team structures, and capability needs.
• Support leaders to manage organisational change in a way that is compliant, empathetic and aligned with cultural objectives.

Performance, Engagement and Culture

• Support and coach leaders throughout the performance review cycle, goal setting, and development planning.
• Promote the use of engagement data and culture insights to inform local actions and priorities.
• Encourage consistent application of people frameworks and practices, including Company\'s values, behavioural expectations, and high-performance frameworks.
• Sponsor and facilitate the activities of the Culture Champion network to deliver engaging social event and periodic gatherings.

Data, Administration and Insights

• Use workforce data and analytics to provide insight into people trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Support leaders to interpret and use people metrics to inform decisions and action plans.
• Monitor and provide resolution for enquiries via the employee ticketing system.
• Update systems (Oracle) and personnel records as required.

Interview Process

• Screen call with Talent Partner
• 1st Interview with Head of People - Abi Mitchell via Teams
• 2nd / Final Interview with Abi and a Snr Lead, & Meet the team - Bristol Office

Location

We are based in Filton, Bristol, and work on average two days in the office, and can do three days from home, but you\'re welcome to work in the office more than two days should you wish.

Nova in the UK has additional offices in Corsham, High Wycombe and Bournemouth, there may be times where you will be required to work to a different office.

Hours

We are open to applicants looking for a 4 or 5 day week, please let us know if you have any flexible working requirements as we are happy to discuss.

We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual.

At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of theArmed Forces Covenant. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business.