At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape people, culture, and performance to drive business success.
- Company: Join Balaena, a dynamic maritime group with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, career growth, and support from an experienced HR team.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team aiming for ambitious goals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a role that challenges the status quo.
- Qualifications: Commercial mindset, team leadership, and ability to navigate unionised environments.
Not Your Typical HR Role. Not Your Typical Business.
If you've ever looked at a business and thought, "There must be a better way," this could be the opportunity to do something about it.
We're looking for an HR Business Partner who wants to make a real difference. Someone who will work alongside the Birkenhead Managing Director and leadership team to help shape how people, culture and performance support our business.
This is a role for someone who wants it as much as we do. Someone who sees the opportunity, understands the responsibility and has the energy, resilience and commercial mindset to help make change happen.
Who are we?
With a combined workforce of over 2,000 employees and operations spanning Gibraltar, Padstow, Tyne, Birkenhead, and Falmouth, Balaena is one of the UK’s most dynamic and regionally anchored maritime groups - combining industrial agility, innovation, and community partnership to support national resilience, commercial competitiveness, and sustainability across both naval and merchant ship sectors.
The integration of our facilities across Gibraltar, Padstow, Tyne, Birkenhead and Falmouth has created one of the world's most capable ship repair and shipbuilding groups, with a network of 12 dry docks and strategic reach across the UK and the Mediterranean.
This is an established organisation with heritage, technical credibility and a reputation built over time. We are proud of that. But we are also ambitious about what comes next. Great businesses are built by great people. As we continue to grow as One Balaena, our HR team has a critical role to play in developing leaders, raising standards, strengthening culture and helping the business achieve its ambitions.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for someone who is commercially minded, positive and comfortable challenging the status quo in the right way. You'll build strong relationships, develop great teams and help leaders get the very best from their people.
Birkenhead is a highly unionised environment, so we're looking for someone who can build positive and productive relationships with Trade Union representatives, managers and colleagues, supporting both employee engagement and business success.
There will be times when things don't go to plan and challenges need navigating, but nothing worth doing is ever easy. The good news is you'll have the support of an experienced HR team and leadership group around you. We work together, support each other and succeed together as One Balaena.
This role will suit someone who:
- Wants to build something meaningful, not simply maintain what already exists.
- Thinks commercially and understands how HR supports business performance.
- Can influence leaders and build credibility quickly.
- Enjoys leading and developing teams.
- Uses data and insight to make better decisions.
- Is comfortable working in a unionised environment.
- Brings energy, resilience and a positive outlook when things get tough.
- Wants to help build a HR function that is agile, scalable and truly valued by the business.
If you'd like to get a feel for who we are, what we do and where we're heading, check us out online and on LinkedIn.
Applications close 21st August 2026
Come and help us build something special.
HR Business Partner in Birkenhead employer: Balaena
Balaena is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Falmouth that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community partnership, we provide our Tug Engineers with competitive salaries, generous leave, and comprehensive benefits, all while fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation. Join us to be part of a leading maritime group where your skills will contribute to national resilience and commercial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in Birkenhead
✨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 Balaena!
✨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 Balaena.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Birkenhead
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 Balaena. 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 Balaena 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 Balaena. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Balaena'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 Balaena
✨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 Balaena.
✨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 Balaena 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 Balaena and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
