Do you want to make a real difference to the people behind the UK’s clean energy transition? Are you looking for a partnering role where you can coach managers, solve real people challenges and see the impact of your work every day? That’s Aira.
We’re looking for an experienced HR Business Partner, or a senior HR Advisor ready to step up, to join Aira as our new People & Culture Partner. Reporting to our Head of People Operations, you’ll be the go-to People partner for our mid-level managers and team leaders, supporting a growing, largely field-based workforce of engineers, installers and operational teams across the UK.
What You’ll be doing:
You’ll build strong relationships with managers and team leaders, giving practical, commercially aware advice that balances business needs, employee wellbeing and legal compliance. You’ll use people data, such as turnover, absence and engagement trends, to spot issues early and agree actions with managers.
You’ll manage employee relations casework end to end, from disciplinaries and grievances to capability, probation and sickness absence, coaching managers to handle day-to-day issues with confidence. You’ll also support organisational change, such as restructures consultations, and help keep our policies compliant as the Employment Rights Act 2025 comes into effect.
You’ll take a leading role in performance and development, helping managers with objectives, 1-2-1s and development reviews, and delivering our manager training, including our Leading the Aira Way programme. You’ll also support engagement and retention through our employee surveys and employee forum.
This is a full-time role (40 hours per week) based in Manchester, working on a hybrid basis with three days per week in the office and two days remote, plus occasional travel to our Sheffield site as required. You’ll be working closely with our Head of People Operations, Talent Acquisition Partner, People & Culture Coordinator and colleagues in our Group People team.
If you enjoy variety, are confident advising managers and want to make a visible impact in a growing business, we’d love to hear from you.
What we would like you to have:
Experience as an HR Business Partner, or as a senior HR Advisor ready to step into a partnering role, with CIPD Level 5 (or working towards). You’ll bring strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law, experience of managing employee relations casework independently and of supporting managers through performance management and change. You’ll also have strong attention to detail, good Excel and HR data skills, and the communication and coaching skills to build trusted relationships with managers.
It would also be great if you had some of the following, though none of these are essential:
- Experience supporting a field-based, operational or multi-site workforce, ideally in energy, renewables, construction or home services
- Experience using Personio or a similar HRIS
- Experience of TUPE, workforce planning or policy development
- Some experience of recruitment or talent acquisition
What We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking an experienced professional who thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment. As our new People and Culture Partner, you'll need:
- Proven experience in an HR Business Partner or similar role.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and HR best practices.
- Excellent problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills.
- A knack for building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience in performance management and employee engagement initiatives.
- Analytical skills to interpret HR data and drive informed decisions.
- Experience in recruitment or talent acquisition would be great, but not essential.
What we offer
- Base Salary of £40,000 – £48,000, depending on experience
- Hybrid working (3 days in the office, 2 days remote)
- 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Health Cash Plan
- Reward Gateway (shopping discount)
- Life insurance
- Car salary sacrifice scheme
At Aira, We’re not just champions of next-generation energy, we’re champions in Diversity and Inclusion too. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks innovation and creativity and enables us to better serve our customers and communities. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to join our team. We will never accept any form of discrimination and believe that together, we can drive a new era for our people and planet.
People and Culture Partner in Manchester employer: Aira
Aira is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the heating sector. Located in Maidstone, our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through continuous training and access to the latest technology, ensuring you stay at the forefront of heat pump design. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer comprehensive benefits and a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages meaningful work.
