Human Resources Business Partner in Maidenhead

Location: UK remote based potential site visits required London/Southeast and occasional Leeds

Contract: Permanent, full-time

About the Role

Fortrea is a leading global clinical research organisation dedicated to providing innovative clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry. We operate in approximately 100 countries and have a diverse and talented team who bring scientific rigor and operational excellence. We are seeking an experienced and proactive Human Resources Business Partner to join our global HR team and provide operational people support across the organisation. Reporting to the UK-based Senior Employee Relations Manager, this is an excellent opportunity for a confident HR professional who enjoys partnering closely with the business, to provide practical advice and solutions to resolve people issues.

You will be a key point of contact for managers on a wide variety of topics including employee relations, absence management, performance improvement, policy interpretation, organisational change support and general HR queries. You will provide practical and timely guidance grounded in best practice ensuring that cases are managed effectively, processes are followed and employees receive a fair and consistent experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Builds strong working relationships, underpinned by trust, credibility and respect with business and HR leaders.
• Supports the development of HR initiatives and priorities on a regional and global basis.
• Advise managers on HR policies, procedures and UK employment legislation, ensuring practical and compliant outcomes.
• Manage and support employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability, probation and performance matters.
• Coach managers through HR processes, including preparing for meetings, drafting documentation and reaching fair, evidence-based decisions.
• Support operational change activity, including consultation meetings, restructures, role changes, TUPE activity and implementation planning where required.
• Monitor HR case trends, absence data and people metrics to identify issues, escalate risks and recommend practical improvements.
• Work closely with HR Service Delivery, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, Reward and Learning colleagues to ensure a joined-up employee and manager experience.
• Ensure HR processes, templates, letters and documentation are completed accurately and in line with agreed timescales.
• Support employee engagement, wellbeing, inclusion and retention activities through practical local implementation.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure HR activity is delivered fairly, consistently and in line with legal and internal requirements.

About You

You are an experienced HR professional with strong generalist knowledge and a hands-on approach. You are comfortable managing a busy ER caseload, advising managers on practical next steps and keeping processes moving in a fair, timely and compliant way. You bring sound judgement, resilience, attention to detail and the ability to balance employee experience with business needs.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in an operational HR Business Partner or similar generalist HR role.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience managing employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability, probation and performance matters.
• Experience supporting consultation processes, restructures, role changes or other operational change activity.
• Strong manager coaching skills, with the ability to give clear, practical and commercially aware advice.
• Ability to use HR data, case trends and people metrics to identify themes and support operational decision-making.
• Excellent organisation and case management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work at pace.
• A graduate with a CIPD qualification or equivalent experience is preferred.

What you can expect from us

• Career growth: broaden your HR expertise in a supportive environment, with opportunities to develop and progress.
• Meaningful work: part of an organisation that really makes a difference to patients’ lives and contribute to the development of therapies and treatments that can improve the lives of patients worldwide.
• Competitive reward: a competitive salary and benefits package, including a bonus structure. The salary is likely to be around £55,000, with some flexibility for the right candidate.
• Continuous improvement: opportunities to contribute ideas, improve processes and continue your personal development and to be part of a friendly and inclusive global HR Partnering team.

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.