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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to deliver tailored HR solutions and drive transformational change.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, career progression, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, collaborative team focused on growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as an HR Business Partner in fast-paced environments, preferably in insurance.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a career that you define at Howden.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Who are we? Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no‑limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like‑minded people driving change at Howden.
Location: Birmingham - Hybrid (with some weekly travel to core operational sites)
The Role
We are seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to deliver commercially aligned HR solutions for our Howden UK&I Retail business. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a transformational environment alongside divisional business leaders who are building substantial, customer‑focused businesses. You will embed yourself within the business to understand its unique requirements and partner with leaders to provide tailored HR solutions that enable delivery of ambitious growth plans. Working closely with the Senior HR Business Partner and collaborating across our wider HR function—including Centres of Expertise in Recruitment, Reward, Talent & Development, and HR Operations—you will help deliver best‑in‑class people interventions that underpin Howden’s growth and transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with leaders across Howden UK&I Retail to translate business strategy into an aligned and integrated People Plan.
- Support the Senior HR Business Partner in implementing people initiatives and driving transformational change, including M&A activity.
- Gather insights into divisional talent needs, aspirations, and challenges to inform HR strategies.
- Contribute to recruitment, performance management, leadership planning, and organisational development initiatives.
- Collaborate with Centres of Expertise to deliver tailored HR solutions and ensure a seamless employee experience.
- Assist with annual compensation processes and ensure robust, transparent reward practices.
- Analyse HR data and MI to provide actionable insights that influence business decisions.
- Build strong relationships across the organisation and act as a trusted advisor to leaders.
- Stay informed on external market trends and apply learnings internally.
About You
- Proven experience as an HR Business Partner in fast‑paced, commercial environments (insurance industry experience preferred).
- Strong knowledge of all HR disciplines, with ability to deliver both strategic and operational solutions.
- Skilled in building relationships across complex, multi‑cultural businesses and influencing senior leaders.
- Data‑driven and tech‑savvy, confident in using insights to inform decisions and streamline processes.
- Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate ambiguity and deliver results in dynamic environments.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to challenge constructively and manage difficult conversations.
What do we offer in return?
A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:
- Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new.
- We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges.
- We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
Reasonable adjustments
We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working. If you’re excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
HR Business Partner in Birmingham employer: Howden Group Holdings
Contact Detail:
Howden Group Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Howden on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HR Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Howden's culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their no-limits mindset and collaborative spirit. We want to see you shine as a cultural fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your data-driven approach! Be ready to discuss how you've used HR metrics in the past to influence business decisions. This will resonate well with Howden's focus on actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and our culture shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing what excites you about joining Howden!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles, so be specific!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit. Use it to connect your past experiences with the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate a personal touch, so feel free to share your journey and aspirations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Group Holdings
✨Know the Company Culture
Before your interview, dive deep into Howden's culture and values. Understand their employee ownership model and how it shapes their work environment. This will help you align your answers with what they value most.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience as an HR Business Partner, especially in fast-paced environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've delivered strategic HR solutions that drove business success, particularly in the insurance sector.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role requires a data-driven approach, brush up on how you've used HR metrics to influence decisions. Be prepared to share insights from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to analyse data effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building strong relationships with your interviewers. Show your interpersonal skills by engaging them in conversation and demonstrating your ability to connect with diverse teams, which is crucial for this role.
