At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR processes and enhance employee experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Cooper Parry, the rebels of accountancy, known for our people-first approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, generous holidays, and a multi-award-winning wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values learning, collaboration, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee engagement and culture while growing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in HR, with a focus on employee relations and stakeholder support.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the role... Are you an energetic HR generalist looking to develop and grow in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? We’re looking to add a Junior HR Business Partner to our award-winning People Team - acting as the first point of contact for line managers and employees, providing confident, pragmatic advice and support across all people-related activities and the full people lifecycle.
You’ll partner closely with the HR Business Partner (HRBP), Senior HR Business Partner (SHRBP) and service line stakeholders to deliver and champion a great employee experience, helping to create and maintain a high performing, inclusive culture aligned to both our people and wider CP strategies. This is an extremely varied role which will allow you to build your business-partnering capabilities, giving you the opportunity to:
- Support the HRBP/SHRBP in providing HR support to your business areas and assisting in the delivery of people processes and projects
- Support implementation of People strategies designed by the HRBP/ SHRBP
- Work with the HRBP/SHRBP to develop behaviours and drive appropriate change to transform and improve organisational effectiveness across the business
- Build strong relationships with your stakeholders and have the confidence to challenge and influence people decisions
- Provide professional HR advice and support aligned to our business and people strategy across key areas of practice - including engagement, resourcing, succession planning, performance and absence management, talent management, and learning and development
- Assist in identifying opportunities to increase employee engagement – reviewing key themes from feedback methods and ensuring action plans are implemented as a result
- Work with managers to support the development of team and individual development plans to drive performance, encourage personal growth and enable the realisation of career aspirations
- Work with Centres of Excellence across the People Team to support the delivery of core HR processes, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure consistent application of policies and practices
- Effectively support ER issues providing an appropriate level of guidance and advice before escalating to the ER team
- Understand and follow company policies to support and advise line managers and our employees
- Support the ER team to actively review and update HR policies and procedures
- Brilliantly execute our people processes throughout the employee lifecycle
- Collate and analyse people data to identify trends and create action plans
- Undertake HR project work when required
About you... At Cooper Parry, we’re in it together. All we ask of our people is that they play all in. You’ll continuously strive to keep learning – whether you’re a trainee or a Partner – and you’ll be brave, stepping out of your comfort zone to tackle new challenges. Above all, be nice. A simple notion, but an irreplaceable part of what makes CP, CP. In addition to those core values, as a Junior HR Business Partner you should:
- Have 2–4 years’ experience in a generalist HR role
- Have exposure to employee relations and providing HR advice to line managers or stakeholders
- Be people‑centered and credible with the ability to build trust and balance individual needs with business priorities.
- Be a confident and constructive challenger, able to provide appropriate support while holding stakeholders to account.
- Be commercial and pragmatic, applying sound judgement to deliver practical, value‑adding people solutions.
- Be resilient and adaptable, performing effectively at pace and responding positively to change and ambiguity.
- Be proactive and accountable, taking ownership for outcomes and following through on commitments.
- Be collaborative and influential, working effectively across the People Team and wider organisation.
- Be insight‑led, using people data and feedback to inform decisions and drive action.
- Be professional and ethical, demonstrating integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism at all times.
- Be CIPD Level 5 qualified or be working towards it (ideally but not essential).
About us... We’ve been dubbed ‘the rebels of accountancy’. We’re straight-talking. Never afraid to share our opinions. We put people and relationships before products and services, and deliver a streamlined, client-focused service – free from unnecessary red tape. Check out our recent achievements:
- Best Companies’ No.1 Accountancy Firm & No.30 Best Large Company to Work For in the UK
- Became B Corp Certified in 2023 and we’re still the UK’s largest accountancy B Corp, measuring and improving our impact beyond business for a brighter tomorrow
- Achieved 5 awards at the Inspiring Workplace Awards in 2025: winner in the Large Business category and best in class for inspiring People & Culture, Wellbeing, Inclusion and Employee Experience
What's in it for you? Our people are the beating heart of our culture. We know that if you love working here, and you’re given the trust and autonomy to work in a way that best suits you, you’ll produce amazing results. That’s why we offer things like:
- A flexible approach to work - balancing working from home, in office or with clients
- A generous holiday entitlement
- An enhanced parental leave policy
- An enhanced pension scheme
- No dress code – just “wear something!”
- A multi-award-winning wellbeing offering to support your physical, mental, spiritual, and financial health
- Volunteering opportunities to work closer with local communities and charities
- Cooper Parry social/sports clubs
Feeling supported and welcomed is such a big part of bringing your whole self to work. As an equal opportunities employer, we’ll work with you to ensure you have everything you need to develop your skills and achieve your best. Get in touch if you have any questions about our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion or about accessibility/accommodations during your application process.
Junior HR Business Partner employer: Cooper Parry
Cooper Parry is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative culture, making it an ideal place for a Senior NetSuite Functional Consultant to thrive. With generous holiday allowances and a commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying the flexibility of a largely remote role. The opportunity to build strong client relationships and engage in meaningful projects further enhances the rewarding experience of working with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior HR Business Partner
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, your first stop should be the career services at your school. They often have partnerships with local businesses, including companies like Cooper Parry, which can open doors for entry-level HR positions.
✨Get Involved in HR Communities
Join communities related to human resources on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. Engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with HR professionals. Some of these groups might even have job postings specifically looking for entry-level candidates!
✨Attend Job Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for job fairs, especially those focusing on HR roles. Events at universities or local chambers of commerce can be goldmines for entry-level positions. Don't forget to come prepared with a few great questions to impress recruiters from companies like Cooper Parry!
✨Showcase Your Personality
In HR, personality and culture fit are key. When you get the chance, maybe through informal chats or interviews, let your genuine self shine through. After all, you're in the business of people, and companies like Cooper Parry want to see that you fit into their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, it’s all about connecting with people! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you’ve dealt with others, whether it’s through previous jobs, volunteering, or even group projects in uni. This shows that you’re not just about the paperwork, but are also eager to interact and engage with those around you.
Tailor Your Language:Using the right buzzwords can make a big difference. Sprinkle in phrases like 'conflict resolution', 'team dynamics', or 'employee engagement' in your application. This will show that you understand the HR world and that you’re ready to dive into the complexities of human relationships in the workplace.
Express Your Eagerness to Learn:As an entry-level candidate, highlight your motivation to grow in the HR field. In your cover letter, mention your interest in learning about recruitment processes, employee development, or workplace culture. Employers want to see that you’re ready to soak up knowledge and contribute to their team.
Research Company Culture:Take the time to understand the HR culture at Cooper Parry. In your application, reflect on their values and mission, showcasing how you align with them. This adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve done your homework, making your application stand out even more!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Parry
✨Show Your People Skills
In HR, people skills are key, so be ready to chat about your past experiences working with teams or managing conflicts. Share examples that really highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to empathise with others—this will impress those interviewers at Cooper Parry.
✨Brush Up on HR Tech Tools
Familiarise yourself with popular HR software like BambooHR or Workday, because you might get asked about your experience with tools that help manage employee data. Even as an entry-level candidate, showing you're proactive about learning the tech aspects can set you apart at Cooper Parry!
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Policies
Expect questions about HR policies, especially those related to recruitment and employee relations. Give thoughtful answers that demonstrate your understanding of HR practices, and don’t shy away from discussing how you'd approach certain scenarios—this shows you're ready to dive into the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, make sure you convey your motivation and willingness to learn. Talk about any relevant coursework or volunteer experiences that have prepared you for a career in HR. Showing a genuine desire to grow within the industry can leave a positive impression on the interviewers at Cooper Parry.
