HR Business Partner

HR Business Partner

Full-Time 70000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Canada Life

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR strategies and provide guidance to senior leaders on people-related matters.
  • Company: Join Canada Life, a trusted company improving the well-being of Canadians.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, education reimbursement, and flexible work options.
  • Other info: Dynamic workplace with career growth, community involvement, and employee recognition programs.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping HR practices and supporting employee engagement.
  • Qualifications: 6-9+ years in HR, strong communication skills, and project management experience.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 120000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Human Resources Business Partner to support our Human Resources team. In this role you will provide consultative support and service to executive/senior level people leaders, to support the development and delivery of the HR agenda that aligns to the vision and strategies of the company.

What you will do:

  • Provide HR related advice and coaching to assigned client groups and business leaders (typically ranging from SVP to AVP level) on matters related to HR policy or practices, workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, compensation decisions, structures and organizational effectiveness, employee engagement etc.
  • Provide counsel and support to individual employees on work related issues (employee advocacy).
  • Manage the escalation of employee issues and engage with Employee Relations & Standards Centre of Excellence to support complex employee issue resolution.
  • Identify people related issues/themes across client groups and HR Center of Excellence (COE) areas and recommendations for action to mitigate risks and act on opportunities.
  • Support cyclical HR processes for supported client groups (i.e. talent management, salary administration etc.).
  • Participate on project teams and/or develop and/or deliver small scale HR projects to the business (i.e. coordinating HR projects with members of the HR community and other key business stakeholders including other HR teams).
  • Participate on cross-line business HR committees and councils to share best practices, lessons learned and collaborate on initiatives.
  • Support and contribute to talent plans for the business/function supported (i.e. diagnostics of organizational health, key business/function needs and opportunities; strategies for recruitment, retention and development of talent pools; organizational effectiveness plans including development of strategic capabilities; elevating overall talent bench for supported businesses/functions).
  • Elevate people managerial capabilities by providing advice, support and coaching to senior level people leaders on all people and talent matters (i.e. leadership, team facilitation, situational training).

What you will bring:

  • 6–9+ years as an HR professional.
  • Ideal education includes a post-secondary Degree/Diploma in HR Management, Business Administration or a related field; an HR certification is an asset.
  • A hands-on project manager with a business partner mindset who has the experience and confidence necessary to work with senior business leaders, HR leaders, and employees at all levels to deliver results.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills to effectively deal with multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to network across functional teams and build solid client relationships.
  • Sound problem solving and influencing skills, coupled with an ability to understand broad Human Resource issues and resolve conflict situations in a diplomatic manner.
  • Ability to multi-task with strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
  • Excellent data analysis skills with a well-developed ability to think analytically and present various analyses in a useful and understandable format.
  • Ability to identify trends and/or anomalies in a dataset and conduct follow-up root cause investigation.
  • Ability to communicate and present findings in a succinct and professional manner.
  • Strong work ethic, a high respect for confidentiality and sound professional judgment and initiative.
  • Strong accountability and responsibility to meet aggressive deadlines.
  • Expert Excel skills, including the ability to work with large data sets, advanced knowledge of HRIS and reporting systems, and all MS Office applications.
  • Previous experience supporting technology teams, or experience in the financial or insurance industry is preferred.

What we offer:

  • Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
  • Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
  • Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
  • Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
  • Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
  • Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.

HR Business Partner employer: Canada Life

Canada Life UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a modern and agile work environment in vibrant locations like Bristol, London, and Watford. With a strong focus on building better futures, the company fosters a welcoming culture and provides ample opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Canada Life

Contact Details:

Canada Life Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner

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 Canada Life!

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 Canada Life.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner

HR Policy Knowledge
Workforce Planning
Talent Management
Employee Relations
Compensation Decisions
Organisational Effectiveness
Employee Engagement

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 Canada Life. 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 Canada Life 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 Canada Life. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Canada Life'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 Canada Life

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 Canada Life.

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 Canada Life 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 Canada Life and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.