Lead HR Business Partner in London

Lead HR Business Partner in London

London Full-Time 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Associated British Foods

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support regional leadership teams across the South East.
  • Company: Dynamic company focused on people development and operational excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent growth potential and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on people strategies and business performance in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Generalist HR experience, strong coaching skills, and a passion for operational insight.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

Overview of role

Location: London

We’re looking for a Lead HR Business Partner – South East to join our HR team, partnering with our leadership teams across the region. This is a regional, multi-site role with regular travel across the South East, currently supporting Stevenage and Walthamstow.

This is more than a traditional HR partnering role. You’ll be an integral member of the regional leadership team, combining your HR expertise with an understanding of our day-to-day operations to help shape people and business decisions. You’ll also lead and develop a regional HR team of four, including Occupational Health, ensuring colleagues and managers receive consistent and effective HR support.

The role

Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll lead the regional people agenda, partnering with the management teams to develop and deliver people plans aligned with our HR and business priorities. You’ll provide coaching and support across talent, engagement, capability, performance, change and employee relations, while helping managers build their own capability and confidence. You’ll also lead and develop the regional HR team, creating consistent ways of working and making the best use of our resources. Importantly, you’ll spend time in our operations and with our teams, developing an understanding of how our sites work and the opportunities and challenges they face. This operational insight will enable you to contribute fully as a member of the leadership team and ensure our people plans support the needs of the business.

What You’ll Bring

  • You’ll be comfortable working as both an HR leader and business partner, building effective relationships and influencing colleagues across different levels and functions.
  • You’ll ideally bring:
    • Generalist HR experience, including business partnering and change management
    • Experience developing and delivering people initiatives that support business priorities
    • Knowledge of HR principles and their practical application within a business
    • Experience coaching and influencing managers and leadership teams
    • The ability to use insight and judgement to develop practical solutions
    • Experience leading and developing HR colleagues
    • A willingness to spend time within operational environments and across multiple sites
    • A degree or equivalent experience; CIPD qualification would be beneficial

What we offer

  • Competitive salary, with car allowance and bonus opportunity where applicable, subject to scheme terms and eligibility.
  • Benefits:
    • 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
    • Bupa private healthcare (single cover)
    • Support with everyday healthcare costs, including eye care and more
    • Up to 10% employer pension contributions
    • Save with a range of major retailers
    • Opportunities to develop your skills and career
    • Tools, advice and access to affordable loans
    • Access to our electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme with Octopus Electric Vehicles
    • Save on the cost of a bike through our Cycle to Work scheme
    • Celebrating milestones and achievements
    • Support Save the Children through payroll giving

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to have a real impact across our South East region — shaping the people agenda, developing capability and working alongside our operational teams to support the performance and continued development of the business.

Aim High | Work Together | I Do What I Say | Everybody Matters

Lead HR Business Partner in London employer: Associated British Foods

Allied Mills is an exceptional employer located in Trafford Park, Manchester, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension plan, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for personal growth, employees are encouraged to thrive both professionally and personally. The company fosters a sense of community through initiatives like peer awards and an employee assistance programme, making it a rewarding place to build a career as a Class 1 LGV Driver.

Associated British Foods

Contact Details:

Associated British Foods Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead HR Business Partner in London

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 Associated British Foods!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

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 Associated British Foods.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead HR Business Partner in London

Generalist HR Experience
Business Partnering
Change Management
People Initiatives Development
HR Principles Application
Coaching Skills
Influencing Skills

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 Associated British Foods. 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 Associated British Foods 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 Associated British Foods. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Associated British Foods'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 Associated British Foods

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 Associated British Foods.

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 Associated British Foods 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 Associated British Foods and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.