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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 strong employee ownership culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience as an HR Business Partner in fast-paced environments, preferably in insurance.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of support and innovation with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
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.
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
Contact Detail:
Howden Group 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 mission and be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your data-driven approach! Be prepared to discuss how you've used HR metrics 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 seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Howden team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in fast-paced environments and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills match our needs. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of our culture and values at Howden.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we’re looking for someone who’s data-driven, make sure to include examples of how you've used HR data to influence decisions in your previous roles. This will show us you can bring actionable insights to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Group
✨Know the Company Culture
Before your interview, dive deep into Howden's culture and values. Understand what makes them unique and how they support their employees. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations from your past experience as an HR Business Partner where you've successfully implemented HR solutions or driven change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role requires being data-driven, be ready to discuss how you've used HR data to inform decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how your insights led to positive outcomes, demonstrating your analytical skills and tech-savviness.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Howden's current HR initiatives and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their growth and transformation efforts.
