At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a trusted HR adviser for SMEs, tackling diverse challenges daily.
- Company: Join an award-winning consultancy focused on people development and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive and innovative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment where your ideas matter.
- Qualifications: Chartered MCIPD or FCIPD, strong HR experience, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 41327 £ per year.
- HR People Partner
- Breen & Associates – Results Through People
This isn't another HR job.
It's an opportunity to become one of the trusted advisers business owners call when the stakes are high.
When they're growing.
When they're restructuring.
When they need to navigate a difficult employee issue.
When they simply need someone they trust to help them make the right decision.
If you're an experienced HR professional who combines commercial thinking with genuine empathy, thrives on building relationships, and wants to play a meaningful role in the growth of an ambitious consultancy, we'd love to hear from you.
Who We Are
Breen & Associates is an award-winning HR and People Development consultancy supporting ambitious SMEs across the UK.
We don't believe HR should hide behind policies or jargon.
We believe it should help businesses grow.
Over the last few years we've built a reputation for delivering commercially focused HR advice that is practical, straightforward and genuinely valued by our clients.
Our clients stay because they trust us.
We're now looking for our third employee to help shape the next chapter of our journey.
If you want to join a business where your ideas matter, your work makes a genuine difference and you'll help build something special, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
The Opportunity
This role is ideally suited to someone whose experience has primarily been gained within the
UK private sector .
Our clients are ambitious SMEs, owner-managed businesses and growing organisations. They need commercially focused advice that balances legal compliance with business reality.
You'll quickly become the trusted HR partner for a portfolio of clients.
One day you might be advising on a complex employee relations issue.
The next you could be supporting a TUPE transfer, facilitating a management workshop, helping implement Breathe HR, drafting contracts, developing a people strategy or meeting with a prospective client.
No two days are ever the same.
That's exactly how we like it.
We're Looking For Someone Who...
- Loves building trusted relationships.
- Thinks commercially as well as compassionately.
- Can confidently advise business owners and senior leaders.
- Enjoys solving problems rather than simply quoting legislation.
- Is naturally organised and takes ownership.
- Communicates with warmth, confidence and credibility.
- Is excited by innovation, AI and emerging technology.
- Wants to grow alongside an ambitious consultancy rather than simply do a job.
Technology doesn't replace great HR.
It enhances it.
We're looking for someone who shares that mindset.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Partnering with Clients
- Become the trusted HR adviser for a portfolio of SME clients.
- Build long-term relationships with business owners and leadership teams.
- Provide commercially focused employment law and HR advice.
- Support disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, absence, restructures and organisational change.
- Draft contracts, policies, letters and HR documentation.
- Support clients using Breathe HR and other HR technology.
- Deliver practical, people-first HR solutions that genuinely improve businesses.
- Projects & Consultancy
- You'll play a key role across a wide variety of consultancy projects including:
- TUPE transfers
- Organisational restructures
- Redundancy programmes
- HR audits
- HRIS implementation
- Leadership development
- Succession planning
- People strategy
- Employment law compliance
- Training & Business Growth
You'll also help us grow.
That means delivering engaging training sessions, supporting networking events, speaking with prospective clients and helping more businesses discover the value of working with Breen & Associates.
We're not looking for a salesperson.
We're looking for someone who enjoys building relationships and takes pride in delivering exceptional client experiences.
What You'll Need
Essential
- Chartered MCIPD or FCIPD (or working towards Chartered status where appropriate).
- CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent).
- Significant HR experience gained primarily within the UK private sector.
- Strong employment law knowledge.
- Experience supporting SMEs or owner-managed businesses.
- Excellent employee relations experience.
- Commercial awareness.
- Outstanding communication skills.
- Experience delivering workshops or management training.
- Confidence using HR systems such as Breathe HR or similar.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients simultaneously.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites when required.
You'll Really Stand Out If You...
- Love learning.
- Embrace AI and new technology.
- Enjoy improving processes.
- Think strategically.
- Stay calm under pressure.
- Make complicated HR simple.
- Take genuine pride in helping people succeed.
- Working Pattern
- Full-time – 37 hours per week
- Monday to Friday
- Hybrid working – 3 days at our Stansted Courtyard office and 2 days from home
- Travel to client sites as required
- What You'll Get
This is far more than another HR role.
You'll join an ambitious consultancy at an exciting stage of growth, working directly alongside experienced HR and People Development professionals who genuinely care about helping businesses succeed.
You'll have autonomy, variety and the opportunity to make a real impact every single day.
We trust our people, encourage fresh thinking and believe the best ideas can come from anyone.
Your voice will matter here.
Benefits
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Company pension
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Christmas shutdown
- Hybrid working
- Free on-site parking
- Ongoing professional development
- Continuous CIPD support
- Mentoring from two highly experienced HR and People Development professionals
- Beautiful countryside office at Stansted Courtyard
- Endless tea, coffee and cake
- Barney, our Chief Happiness Officer (and very friendly Labrador)
Why Join Breen & Associates?
Because we're building something different.
We're creating a consultancy where clients don't buy HR advice.
We build trusted relationships.
Where technology enhances brilliant people rather than replacing them.
Where commercial thinking sits alongside genuine compassion.
Where doing the right thing matters.
As we continue to grow, you'll have genuine opportunities to influence how we develop our services, improve our client experience and shape the future of our business.
If you're looking for another HR Adviser role...
This probably isn't for you.
If you're looking to become a genuine business partner, trusted adviser and key part of an ambitious consultancy's future...
We'd love to meet you.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Please submit
- Your CV
- A tailored covering letter explaining why you're interested in joining Breen & Associates
- Your Application Challenge
Alongside your application we'd also like you to submit either a five-minute video or a five-slide presentation answering these four questions:
What piece of HR work are you most proud of?
What's the most innovative thing you've introduced?
What's the biggest lesson you've learned during your HR career?
Why Breen & Associates?
We're not looking for polished presentations.
We're looking for authenticity.
Commercial thinking.
Curiosity.
Warmth.
Initiative.
And someone who genuinely enjoys helping people and businesses succeed.
Applications submitted without the challenge will not progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Apply via Breathe HR
- https:///v/hr-people-partner-47863
- Important Information
Breen & Associates is proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive.
Essential Requirements
- Chartered MCIPD or FCIPD
- CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent)
- Minimum 10 years' HR experience
- Experience gained primarily within the UK private sector
- UK work authorisation
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to travel to client sites
- Ability to reliably commute to our Bishop's Stortford office
If you're ready to help ambitious businesses build exceptional workplaces, and you'd like to help shape the future of an award-winning consultancy, we'd love to hear from you.
HR People Partner in Watford employer: Breen & Associates - Results Through People
Breen & Associates is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your ideas truly matter. Located in the beautiful countryside at Stansted Courtyard, employees enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive benefits, and continuous professional development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on ambitious SMEs across the UK. Join us to become a trusted adviser in a consultancy that values genuine relationships and commercial thinking alongside compassion.
Contact Details:
Breen & Associates - Results Through People Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR People Partner in Watford
✨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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People!
✨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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People.
We think you need these skills to ace HR People Partner in Watford
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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People. 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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People 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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Breen & Associates - Results Through People'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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People
✨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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People.
✨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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People 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 Breen & Associates - Results Through People and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
