People & Development Business Partner

We Are Zenith; Larkhill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

We Are Zenith is seeking an experienced People & Development Business Partner on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract in the UK. The role focuses on employee relations, organisational change and strategic HR support, with approximately 2–3 days per month travel to Lancashire.

You will work with senior leaders to deliver HR policies, manage complex ER cases and support workforce planning and development initiatives. Strong UK employment law knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Substantial experience in a generalist HR role at BP/ senior advisory level.
• Strong employee relations experience including disciplinary, grievance and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied employee relations caseload including disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance matters.
• Advise managers on employment legislation and HR policies.
• Support organisational change, restructures, TUPE transfers and workforce planning.

Skills

Employee relations

HR policy interpretation

Stakeholder management

Change management

Data analysis

Education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent

GCSE English and Maths

Job description

We have an opportunity for an experienced People & Development Business Partner (HR Business Partner) to join our clients People & Development team on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional with a strong generalist background, particularly within employee relations, organisational change and strategic HR support.

Travel Requirements

Approximately 2–3 days per month to Lancashire.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a varied and complex employee relations caseload, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance management and capability matters.
• Advising and supporting managers on employment legislation, HR policies and best practice.
• Supporting organisational change, restructures, TUPE transfers and workforce planning.
• Providing guidance and support during formal employee relations meetings, including preparing documentation and outcome letters.
• Developing strong working relationships with senior leaders, managers and trade union representatives.
• Supporting recruitment, retention and wider workforce planning initiatives.
• Contributing to the implementation of HR policies, procedures and organisational development projects.
• Using HR data, reports and workforce metrics to identify trends and support decision-making.
• Supporting management development and delivering guidance or training on people management matters.

Requirements

• CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Substantial experience within a generalist HR role, ideally operating at HR Business Partner or senior HR advisory level.
• Strong employee relations experience, including managing complex disciplinary, grievance and performance management cases.
• Experience supporting organisational change, including restructures, TUPE or similar projects.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience developing, implementing and interpreting HR policies and procedures.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and provide commercially focused HR advice.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret HR data and management information.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or equivalent.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within Further Education, education or a similarly complex organisation.
• Experience working within a unionised environment.
• Previous line management experience, including supervising HR Advisors or Assistants.
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams through organisational change