At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape HR strategies across Europe, supporting pet cremation services and enhancing employee experiences.
- Company: Anima Care, a compassionate provider of pet cremation services with a growing team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, 25 days holiday, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and direct access to the Chief People Officer.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a values-driven business that cares about its people and pets.
- Qualifications: 2+ years HR experience in Europe, knowledge of employment law, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 £ per year.
Anima Care is a growing provider of pet cremation services, committed to supporting pet owners through some of their most difficult moments. Following our recent acquisition of ten crematoria across Northern Europe, we are expanding our People team to support this exciting next chapter. This acquisition brings approximately 100 colleagues across sites in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark into the Anima Care family, and we are looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to help us build something great.
This is a varied and genuinely impactful generalist HR role, sitting within our Group People team and reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, based at our Leeds headquarters. You will be the dedicated HR partner for our European sites, taking ownership of the full employee lifecycle across four countries. As the business integrates this acquisition, your initial focus will be on building strong relationships with site leaders and colleagues, gathering and reviewing HR data, contracts and policies, and laying the foundations for a robust and engaging HR infrastructure across the region. This is a rare opportunity to shape the People agenda from the ground up in a business that genuinely values its people and the sensitive nature of the work they do.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted HR Business Partner to site directors and managers across Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, providing commercially focused, proactive HR support.
- Lead the review and harmonisation of existing employment contracts, policies and procedures across all acquired sites, ensuring legal compliance in each country.
- Partner with site leaders to develop and implement locally relevant People plans aligned to business objectives.
- Build and maintain accurate HR data and metrics, using insight to identify trends and inform decisions.
- Lead on all employee relations matters across the region, including absence management, disciplinary and grievance processes, with appropriate regard for local employment law.
- Develop and deliver a resourcing strategy that supports cost-effective, high quality hiring across the European sites.
- Design and implement an employee wellbeing strategy suited to the nature of pet cremation services.
- Support engagement activity across sites, including the delivery of annual employee opinion surveys and follow-up action planning.
- Manage new starter onboarding and leaver offboarding processes.
- Coach and upskill site managers in people management practices and HR processes.
About You
You will bring a strong generalist HR background combined with genuine knowledge of European employment law and the confidence to operate across multiple jurisdictions.
Essential:
- Minimum two years of generalist HR experience gained outside the UK, with demonstrable working knowledge of employment law in at least one of the countries in scope (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden or Denmark).
- Experience building effective relationships with and influencing senior stakeholders.
- CIPD qualified (or equivalent).
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to work accurately and consistently under pressure.
- Confident interpreting people metrics and translating data into practical action plans.
- Excellent coaching skills and the ability to develop manager capability in a hands-on operational environment.
- High levels of resilience and the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple sites and timezones.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the cultural awareness to work effectively across different countries and working environments.
Desirable:
- Experience in a service-based or operational environment.
- Language skills in German, Dutch, Swedish or Danish.
What We Offer
A high-impact role with genuine scope to shape the HR function for a growing European business. Direct access and reporting line to the Group Chief People Officer. A values-driven business where the work you do genuinely matters. Leeds-based with flexibility for site travel across Europe.
Package:
- Up to £48,000 basic per annum.
- Pension – 4% and 4% - employer contributions matched up to 6%.
- Holidays – 25 days plus bank holidays.
Anima Care is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.
Human Resources Business Partner - Europe in Bradford employer: Anima Care
Anima Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the pet cremation services sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, a values-driven culture, and the opportunity to shape HR practices across multiple European sites, Anima Care offers a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter. Located in Leeds, the role provides flexibility for travel across Europe, ensuring a dynamic and engaging work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner - Europe in Bradford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Anima Care!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Anima Care.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner - Europe in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Anima Care. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Anima Care and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Anima Care. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Anima Care's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anima Care
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Anima Care.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Anima Care will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Anima Care and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
