People Business Partner (South East) in Reading

People Business Partner (South East) in Reading

Reading Full-Time 55000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
F

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Be the HR superpower for clients, providing practical advice and support.
  • Company: Join a dynamic HR consultancy that values people and growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and career development support.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and help businesses thrive.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR roles, strong communication skills, and a commercial mindset.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.

Job Type: Full-time or part-time (minimum 30 hours per week)

Salary: Circa £55,000 (depending on experience). London Weighting may apply depending on location.

Location: South East

We offer a competitive salary package aligned with current market rates for this role. The final offer will reflect your skills, experience, and qualifications, alongside our commitment to internal equity.

About us:

We’re the full-service HR consultancy that synchronises seamlessly with our clients’ businesses — an outsourced team that feels like an in‑house superpower. We believe expert guidance on how to recruit, retain, develop and lead people should be available to every business, big or small. The right advice, at the right time, from the right specialist, can be game‑changing. We make those conversations happen. We help our clients recruit, manage, and retain the best people for their organisations — whether as a one‑off project or an ongoing partnership. Our work helps them create cultures where everyone can bring the best version of themselves to work. Ultimately, people are the foundation of our clients’ success. With the right environment and support, they can do amazing things — and we’re here to help make that happen. From people strategy to HR admin, we eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff. Whether it’s an HR team needing extra support or a business looking to outsource its HR, we’re there: on call or on site, whatever works best for them. We’re on a mission to show brilliant companies what happens when they hire really smart people to help them be the very best employers they can be. The only thing we can’t handle? Letting our clients down.

What you’ll be doing:

  • You’ll be the key link connecting our HR expertise with our clients.
  • Your mission? To be their HR superpower — providing practical advice, solving challenges, and supporting their growth.
  • You’ll manage a portfolio of clients, becoming their go‑to person for all things people.
  • Working closely with clients and colleagues to manage a wide variety of people matters.
  • Advising across the full employee lifecycle, from tricky ER issues to employee engagement initiatives.
  • Owning your clients’ HR projects and partnering with colleagues to find smart, compliant, and practical solutions.
  • Building strong, long‑term client relationships through trusted advice and proactive account management, making every client feel supported and valued.
  • Getting to know your clients’ industries and challenges so your advice always adds real value.
  • Responding quickly to client queries and escalating where needed to keep things running smoothly.
  • Collaborating across Fitzgerald to deliver a joined‑up, brilliant service.
  • Spotting opportunities to add value and help our clients — and our business — grow and thrive.

No two days will be the same, but they’ll all be rewarding. It’s a hands‑on role where you’ll be making a real difference every day.

About you:

We’re looking for someone who combines brilliant HR expertise with great judgement, empathy, and a commercial mindset. You’ll need to be:

  • Experienced in an HR Business Partner, People Partner, HR/People Consultant role, ideally across a range of sectors.
  • Confident advising on complex people issues and leading projects from start to finish.
  • Able to weigh up risks and benefits, think creatively and logically, and develop practical solutions.
  • Skilled at building trusted relationships with senior leaders and colleagues.
  • Highly organised, with strong spoken and written communication skills, plus an eye for detail.
  • Commercially aware — you understand how great people decisions drive business success.
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office and digital systems.

Ideally, you’ll be CIPD Level 7 qualified (or working towards it), but what really matters to us is that you bring the practical experience and confidence to deliver great HR advice. You’ll also have a full UK driving licence and be happy to travel to clients when needed. Experience working in an HR consultancy would be a bonus.

The Perks:

We might be biased, but we think this role is exciting, fun, challenging, and full of opportunities to grow. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us:

  • Competitive salary (Circa £55,000 per annum FTE)
  • 25 days’ annual leave to start, rising to 27 after one year and 29 after two years, plus bank holidays
  • Career qualifications supported and paid for where relevant with progression and development opportunities
  • Monthly homeworking allowance and all equipment provided
  • Flexible working patterns to make sure you have a good balance between your work and home life
  • Strong internal and external support and a friendly, collaborative team
  • Pension scheme options (including salary sacrifice) and 4% employer pension contributions, with a minimum of 4% employee contributions
  • Life assurance at four times basic salary
  • Shopping discounts platform, flu vaccinations and technology and cycle to work salary sacrifice schemes
  • Enhanced family leave
  • Twice yearly all staff get togethers.
  • Access to a 24/7 employee assistance programme for emotional and practical support
  • A range of other health and wellbeing benefits
  • A growing, progressive business with people at its heart

At Fitzgerald, we think one‑size‑fits‑all doesn’t make anyone look good. Instead, we promise to make space for you to bring your whole self to work, not just your job title. Job titles change, after all. Working here, in time yours might too. We’re betting the future of our business on each of us, so we don’t just talk about development – we invest in it. Specifically, we invest in you. So if you want to learn something new or deepen your expertise, you do the work and we’ll support you all the way. Because when you get better at what you do, so do we. And when life throws curveballs - which it always will - we’ll make sure you’ve got the flexibility and support you need. We understand that time to rest and recharge is important and we’ll make sure you get it, along with a work/life balance that always treats you like an adult (and trusts you accordingly). Because we want everyone here to play a big part in what comes next for Fitzgerald, to build our future, be involved in decisions, and be valued for your input. We really want our workforce to be representative of all sections of society, so we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Closing date: 17th June 2026

People Business Partner (South East) in Reading employer: Fitzgerald

At Fitzgerald, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and well-being of our team members. With a competitive salary package, flexible working patterns, and a strong focus on professional development, we create an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Our collaborative culture, commitment to employee support, and emphasis on work-life balance make us a standout choice for those seeking a meaningful career in HR consultancy in the South East.

F

Contact Details:

Fitzgerald Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Business Partner (South East) in Reading

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 Fitzgerald!

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 Fitzgerald.

We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner (South East) in Reading

HR Expertise
Employee Relations
Project Management
Client Relationship Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Commercial Awareness

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

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

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 Fitzgerald.

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 Fitzgerald 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 Fitzgerald and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.