Senior HR Business Partner x 4

AMS PSR; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 138,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

UK nationwide hubs

Job summary

Defra is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to join its HR Project Delivery Team on a contract basis (Inside IR35) up to 31 March 2027. The role involves remote work with attendance at a nationwide UK hub when required, providing strategic HR leadership across high-impact initiatives.

You will shape and deliver HR projects from scoping to implementation, collaborating with HR Partners, unions and senior leaders to drive people-focused outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strong HR generalist experience with strategic leadership in HR
• Proven track record delivering HR projects within change/transformation
• Experience leading cross-functional or matrix project teams
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and unions
• Ability to establish governance, plans and delivery frameworks

Responsibilities

• Lead HR projects and strategic HR initiatives across the Defra group
• Provide senior HR leadership, direction and advice on complex programmes
• Manage scoping, design, implementation and handover to BAU
• Establish governance structures, plans and delivery timelines
• Engage senior stakeholders, trade unions and business partners
• Drive collaboration across HR and non-HR teams to deliver outcomes
• Identify risks and dependencies and manage prioritisation
• Support organisational change and HR transformation efforts

Skills

Stakeholder mgmt

Change mgmt

HR projects

Strategic HR

Governance

Education

CIPD membership

Job description

On behalf of Defra , we are looking for a Senior HR Business Partner x 4 (Inside IR35) for a contract up to end of March 2027 based remotely (with office attendance in any Nationwide Hub, as and if required) In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people's lives. We are responsible for England's environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out. Our objectives are: To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs . 25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK .

The role: Defra is seeking an experienced Senior HR Business Partner to join its HR Project Delivery Team, providing strategic HR leadership and expertise across high-impact initiatives within the Defra group. The role will focus on leading and shaping business-critical HR projects, supporting organisational change, transformation and cross-cutting HR improvements. You will provide HR leadership, direction and structure, working closely with HR Business Partners, HR Expert Services teams, senior leaders and trade union partners to deliver effective people solutions. You will take ownership of project delivery from initial scoping and design through to implementation, influencing strategic outcomes and ensuring successful transition into business-as-usual operations where required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape HR projects and provide HR input into large-scale business transformation programmes.
• Provide strategic HR leadership, direction and advice across complex organisational initiatives.
• Lead projects from initial scoping and design through to implementation and delivery.
• Establish effective project governance, structures, plans and delivery timelines.
• Lead engagement with senior stakeholders, trade union partners and key business representatives.
• Build and lead cross-HR matrix project teams to deliver effective people solutions.
• Work closely with HR Business Partners and HR Expert Services teams to drive project outcomes.
• Influence and challenge senior stakeholders to achieve successful project delivery.
• Identify, assess and manage project risks, issues and dependencies.
• Drive collaboration and joined-up delivery across different teams and functions.
• Support organisational change, HR transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee project closure and ensure effective transition into business-as-usual operations.

Essential

• Strong HR generalist experience, with the ability to operate strategically and provide HR leadership.
• Proven experience leading and delivering HR projects, ideally within change or transformation environments.
• Experience managing projects from initial scoping and design through to implementation.
• Ability to lead cross-functional or matrix project teams.
• Proven experience influencing, challenging and managing senior stakeholders.
• Experience engaging with trade unions and key organisational partners.
• Ability to establish effective project structures, governance and delivery plans.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, assess risks and deliver at pace.

Desirable

• Chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
• CIPD Level 5 Intermediate Diploma or Level 7 Advanced Diploma in HR, or equivalent qualification.
• Experience working within a government or wider public sector HR environment.
• Experience leading large-scale organisational change and business transformation programmes.
• Experience providing strategic HR advice and solutions to senior leadership teams.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, Defra encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates. Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role‑specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.