Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract
Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract

Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract

Manchester Temporary 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR operations and strategy, advising managers and enhancing employee engagement.
  • Company: Join Freshfields, a leading professional services firm committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Be a trusted advisor, drive change, and make a real impact on people's careers.
  • Qualifications: Significant HR experience, strong relationship-building skills, and knowledge of employment legislation required.
  • Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Manchester.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

This is a 12 month fixed term contract, based in Manchester, with a hybrid working model.

Purpose of role

The purpose of this role is to provide the full range of HR Business Partner support from an operational and strategic perspective to aligned groups, delivering a first class service to our people. You will be working closely with our people managers and leaders, acting as a trusted advisor to ensure that the people agenda is reflected in all business decisions. You will collaborate with leaders and people managers to define, create and deliver effective HR solutions.

Trusted advisor:

  • Develop and sustain strong business relationships by giving professional advice and becoming a trusted advisor; all advice and support will be aligned to the core values and principles of the firm.

Continuous improvement and change management:

  • Work with the HR team, leaders and line managers, to implement business improvement and transformational change;
  • Promote the HR Services model, adopt a continuous improvement and innovative mindset, and drive effective ways of working.

Talent management and development:

  • Support the identification and development of key talent within designated groups to enable individuals to meet their potential and the departments to meet their business objectives;
  • Promote and champion the learning and development programmes and initiatives that are available to support colleague development.

Engagement and communication:

  • Work with the leaders and people managers to support communication and initiatives and processes to improve employee engagement;
  • Participate in management meetings as the HR professional and expert;
  • Facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing between departments and across HR.

Performance and reward:

  • Advise and coach leaders and line managers to build increased capability in performance management;
  • Provide support and advice, guiding decision making and maintaining objectivity and fairness;
  • Develop ways to support a continuous feedback, development and recognition culture within your designated groups;
  • Manage the performance, salary and bonus review process across designated groups, communicating with and co-ordinating with all relevant parties.

Employee relations:

  • Keep up to date with all developments in terms of employment legislation and employee relations issues and utilise this technical knowledge to provide advice and guidance to people managers;
  • Work closely with the ER team to manage complex performance, grievance and disciplinary issues;
  • Oversee wellbeing and long term sickness cases for the designated groups, liaising with Occupational Health and support services where relevant and providing general support to people managers as required.

HR transactions:

  • Work with the Advisory and HR Services team to ensure smooth, accurate delivery of HR lifecycle transactions including onboarding, movers, leavers, and flexible working requests.

Data and management reporting:

  • Create and utilise management reports to enable informed and appropriate business decisions to be made;
  • Use data to highlight potential areas of focus in support of the people agenda;
  • Drive and support activities to ensure data integrity.

Key Requirements

Essential

  • Significant generalist HR experience working within a business facing HR role is essential;
  • Excellent knowledge of and experience of Employee Relations;
  • Current knowledge of employee legislation and best practice;
  • Experience of working in change intensive environments;
  • Good project management skills;
  • Excellent relationship building and senior stakeholder engagement and influencing skills;
  • Proficient IT skills including experience of HR systems and Excel;
  • Proficient English verbal and written language skills.

Desirable

  • CIPD qualification or equivalent preferred;
  • Experience of working within a professional services organisation.

Competencies

  • The ability to build strong working relationships and to be able to persuade and influence a range of people across levels, cultural and global boundaries;
  • Excellent planning ability;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to listen, clarify and share information easily;
  • A diplomatic and adaptable working style, works collaboratively with colleagues and demonstrates an empathetic approach when dealing with others;
  • Dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer expectations with a commitment to the highest level of integrity;
  • Resilient and able to remain calm and positive under pressure and when dealing with ambiguity;
  • Is delivery focussed and drives forward quality of service;
  • Decisive and mature in judgement and able to resolve complex problems taking a proactive approach to analyse the issues and generate solutions.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing. Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.

Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract employer: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Freshfields is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester with a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Our commitment to employee development is evident through comprehensive learning programmes and a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact as a trusted HR Business Partner.
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Contact Detail:

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract

✨Tip Number 1

Network with current HR professionals, especially those in business-facing roles. Attend HR events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in HR practices.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific HR challenges faced by professional services organisations. Research case studies or articles that highlight successful HR strategies in similar environments to demonstrate your understanding during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with employee relations and change management in detail. Think of specific examples where you successfully navigated complex issues or implemented effective solutions, as these will be crucial in showcasing your expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your proficiency with HR systems and data management. Be ready to explain how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in previous roles, as this aligns with the key requirements of the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract

Generalist HR Experience
Employee Relations Expertise
Knowledge of Employment Legislation
Change Management Skills
Project Management Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Building
Proficient IT Skills
HR Systems Experience
Excel Proficiency
Excellent Verbal Communication
Excellent Written Communication
Planning Ability
Diplomatic Working Style
Empathy in Interactions
Customer Service Orientation
Resilience Under Pressure
Problem-Solving Skills
Data Management and Reporting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant generalist HR experience and showcases your knowledge of employee relations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the role's purpose and how your skills align with the company's values. Mention your experience in change management and your commitment to continuous improvement.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your project management skills and proficiency in HR systems and Excel. Provide examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions or improve HR processes in previous roles.

Showcase Communication Abilities: Demonstrate your excellent oral and written communication skills by ensuring your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've facilitated effective communication in past positions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

✨Know Your HR Fundamentals

Brush up on your knowledge of HR principles, especially around employee relations and legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, as it will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.

✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills

Since this role requires strong relationship management, think of examples where you've successfully built rapport with stakeholders. Highlight your ability to influence and advise leaders, as this is crucial for a Human Resources Business Partner.

✨Prepare for Change Management Questions

Expect questions about your experience in change-intensive environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed or supported change initiatives, showcasing your project management skills and adaptability.

✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy

Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform HR decisions in the past. Familiarise yourself with common HR metrics and be prepared to explain how you can leverage data to support the people agenda effectively.

Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
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  • Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month fixed term contract

    Manchester
    Temporary
    28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-23

  • F

    Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

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