Hr Business Partner in Highland, Inverness

The HR Business Partner will play a key role in delivering a commercially focused and people-centred HR service across project operations in Scotland. Working closely with managers and employees, the role will provide expert guidance on employee relations, workforce management, organisational policies, and employment legislation. The position will support the business in driving consistent people practices, improving employee engagement, and ensuring operational effectiveness across all areas of HR.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional HR advice and guidance to managers and employees on a broad range of people matters.
• Partner with operational leaders to support effective decision-making and encourage consistent application of HR best practice.
• Develop trusted working relationships with management teams, offering coaching and support on employee-related issues.
• Lead and coordinate employee relations processes, including disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, and performance-related matters.
• Identify emerging workforce issues and recommend practical solutions to minimise risk and improve employee outcomes.
• Support managers throughout employee exit processes, including resignations and terminations where required.
• Carry out exit discussions and provide insight into trends, retention risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Assist with organisational change activity, including consultation exercises and amendments to contractual terms.
• Oversee the management of employee absence cases, ensuring appropriate processes are followed and attendance concerns are addressed proactively.
• Work collaboratively with Occupational Health and HSQE teams to support employee wellbeing and fitness for work.
• Guide managers on the interpretation and practical application of company policies and procedures.
• Ensure HR practices remain compliant with current employment legislation and organisational standards.
• Maintain awareness of legislative developments and contribute to continuous improvement of HR processes and policies.
• Provide additional support to recruitment activities during peak periods or when required by the business.
• Promote positive working relationships across departments and contribute to a collaborative team culture.
• Represent the organisation professionally in all internal and external interactions.
• Support wider business objectives by undertaking additional responsibilities appropriate to the role.
• Demonstrate commitment to company health, safety, quality, and environmental standards, ensuring all responsibilities are carried out in accordance with HSQE requirements.
• Act within delegated authority to support formal HR procedures, including employee suspension in serious misconduct cases where appropriate.
• Support the recruitment process through issuing employment offers and associated contractual documentation.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience in a HR Business Partner, HR Advisor, or similar operational HR role.
• Strong understanding of UK employment legislation and practical HR application.
• Experience handling a range of employee relations matters independently and confidently.
• Ability to influence and build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Commercially aware with a pragmatic and solution-focused approach to HR.
• Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, project-led environment.
• Experience supporting wellbeing, absence management, and organisational change initiatives.
• CIPD qualified or working towards qualification is advantageous.
• Prior experience within construction, engineering, infrastructure, or similar sectors would be beneficial.