At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with HR advice and lead people initiatives for operational excellence.
- Company: Join Athena Care Homes, a family-owned business known for exceptional care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, Blue Light Card discounts, and a supportive induction.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across East Anglia and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding sector while balancing HR operations and strategy.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or working towards it, with strong HR generalist experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking a solutions-focused, high-calibre HR Business Partner to join the Athena People Team. You will be instrumental in ensuring operational excellence across our homes, providing the expert guidance our Home Managers need to confidently lead their teams, manage risk, and deliver the Exceptional Care & Experience that Athena is known for.
About Athena Care Homes: Athena Care Homes is an award-winning, family-owned business operating seven residential nursing homes in East Anglia where care and compassion runs through to our very core. At Athena we celebrate everyone as an individual. Whether that’s delivering authentic care, supporting our team to make moments for our residents and their loved ones, or whether that’s learning and growing together.
About the Role: As a trusted HR Business Partner, you will provide comprehensive HR support across a range of areas including employee relations, organisational development, performance management, change management, and people strategy initiatives. You will play a key role in supporting managers through complex people matters while also contributing to wider strategic projects that enhance employee experience, engagement, and organisational effectiveness. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing operational HR with strategic project work in a rewarding and purpose-driven sector.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm.
Salary: £55,000 per annum.
Location: Central Support Office, Southfields Business Park, Hornsby Way, Laindon, SS15 6TF. This is a full-time office-based role with travel to our care homes as and when needed.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide expert HR advice and support to managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, and performance cases.
- Partner with care home leadership teams to deliver practical people solutions that support operational and organisational goals.
- Lead and support People initiatives and projects aligned to the wider People Strategy, including engagement, talent, and organisational development.
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and UK employment law across assigned homes.
- Support positive workplace culture through coaching, change management, performance support, and employee engagement initiatives.
Training, Skills & Experience Required:
Essential Experience: You must hold CIPD Level 7 (or be actively working towards it) and have a proven track record as a high-level HR generalist or specialist, confidently managing complex ER end-to-end. In-depth, current knowledge of UK employment law is non-negotiable. Experience in the Care Sector or a multi-site operational environment is a significant advantage.
The Right Mindset: You are intensely pragmatic and solutions-focused, able to balance immediate operational needs with necessary risk mitigation. You must be an effective coach and communicator, able to build immediate credibility with operational leaders. You are resilient and maintain a calm, professional approach during sensitive, high-pressure situations. A Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as this is a regional role requiring some travel to all sites across East Anglia.
What we can offer:
- A warm and thorough induction to help you feel confident, connected, and supported from day one.
- A competitive salary, reflecting the value and expertise you bring to our team.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, giving you time to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most.
- Free Blue Light Card membership with access to a wide range of discounts and savings.
- A generous Refer-a-Friend scheme, because great people know great people and we love welcoming them to Athena.
HR Business Partner in Basildon employer: Athena Care Homes
Athena Care Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises care and compassion, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a family-owned business operating in East Anglia, we offer our HR Business Partners not only competitive salaries and generous leave but also a warm induction and ongoing development opportunities to ensure you thrive in your role. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative environment where every team member is celebrated as an individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Athena Care Homes on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common HR scenarios. Think about how you'd handle complex employee relations issues or support managers in operational settings. We want to see your solutions-focused mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your CIPD Level 7 knowledge during interviews. Be ready to discuss how your expertise in UK employment law can help Athena maintain its exceptional care standards while managing people effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Athena family.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with us at Athena Care Homes. Share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Employment Law:Since in-depth knowledge of UK employment law is essential, make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences. We love seeing candidates who are up-to-date and ready to tackle complex ER issues!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athena Care Homes
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced in the care sector, as this will show that you understand the unique environment Athena operates in.
✨Showcase Your Solutions-Focused Mindset
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex employee relations issues. Highlight how you balanced operational needs with risk management, as this aligns perfectly with what Athena is looking for.
✨Connect with Their Values
Athena Care Homes prides itself on compassion and individual care. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering a positive workplace culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about their people strategy initiatives and how they measure employee engagement. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates your strategic thinking and commitment to enhancing the employee experience.
