At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care home managers with expert HR guidance and drive people initiatives.
- Company: Award-winning, family-owned care home business focused on compassion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and Blue Light Card discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding sector while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or working towards it, with strong HR 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.
Strategic HR Partner (Care Homes) — Operational Impact in Basildon employer: Athenacarehomes
Athena Care Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees while delivering outstanding care in a supportive environment. With a strong focus on individual growth, comprehensive training, and a culture that values compassion and teamwork, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Laindon, our central support office offers a collaborative atmosphere where HR professionals can make a meaningful impact across our care homes in East Anglia.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Partner (Care Homes) — Operational Impact 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 Athena's values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering exceptional care. Tailor your answers to reflect their focus on operational excellence and employee engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. We want to see how you handle complex people matters, so think about examples from your past that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to coach others.
✨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 Strategic HR Partner (Care Homes) — Operational Impact in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic HR Partner role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Athena Care Homes!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about HR in the care sector and how you can contribute to our team. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for Athena!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex HR issues in the past. We love solutions-focused candidates who can balance operational needs with strategic thinking, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athenacarehomes
✨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, especially around employee relations and performance management. This will show that you're not just a generalist but someone who understands the unique needs of Athena Care Homes.
✨Showcase Your Solutions-Focused Mindset
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex HR issues in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your pragmatic approach and ability to balance operational needs with risk management. This will demonstrate that you can think on your feet and provide practical solutions.
✨Connect with Their Values
Athena Care Homes prides itself on compassion and individual care. Make sure to express your alignment with these values during the interview. Share experiences where you've contributed to a positive workplace culture or enhanced employee engagement, showing that you can support their mission.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their people strategy initiatives and how they measure success in employee engagement. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into whether this is the right fit for you.
