HR Business Partner - LHR

HR Business Partner - LHR

Full-Time 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
John Menzies

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert HR guidance and support in a dynamic aviation environment.
  • Company: Join Menzies Aviation, a leader in global logistics since 1833.
  • Benefits: Inclusive workplace, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Diversity-focused employer committed to creating an inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape employee relations at one of the world's busiest airports.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR within a unionised setting and strong UK employment law knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

Overview

People. Passion. Pride. This is what has driven our teams since 1833.

Since that time, we have developed to become a critical partner in the global aviation industry, delivering time-critical logistics services at 350 locations in more than 65 countries, across six continents.

But at the heart of our business is our people.

Role Purpose

We are looking for an experienced and confident HR Business Partner to join our team at London Heathrow.

Reporting to the Head of People, this role is at the heart of our operation, providing expert guidance and support across all people matters, with a strong focus on employee relations and industrial relations.

You will act as a trusted partner to managers and employees, leading on complex ER cases, supporting trade union engagement, and ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.

With Heathrow's fast-paced and unionised environment, you will play a key role in maintaining constructive industrial relationships while also driving initiatives that support employee wellbeing, engagement, and performance.

If you are passionate about making a difference through positive employee relations, and thrive in a dynamic operational environment, this role offers a unique opportunity to have a real impact at one of the world's busiest airports.

  • What you will be doing
  • Act as a trusted advisor to the LHR Ground Handling leadership team, providing expert guidance on all aspects of HR with a strong emphasis on employee relations (ER) and industrial relations (IR), including employment law, equal opportunities, and associated legislation.
  • Lead and manage complex ER cases (disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance) ensuring consistency, fairness, and compliance.
  • Build and maintain constructive relationships with trade unions, supporting negotiations on pay, terms and conditions, and procedural matters, as well as collective consultation exercises.
  • Support business change initiatives, including restructures, TUPE transfers, and redundancy programmes, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.
  • Work closely with the Head of People to deliver an effective HR partnering service (Employee Relations, Resourcing, Reward, Learning & Development).

Would you like to see more detail on the accountabilities of the role? Please see the attached job description for further information

Safety, Security, Wellbeing and Compliance

You will have a responsibility and duty whilst at work to take reasonable care of the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and others in accordance with provided information, training, and workplace health and safety rules or procedures.

The company is committed to providing a safe working environment for all staff members.

In all areas of our business there is a potential risk to the health, safety and welfare to everyone on our sites through the misuse of alcohol and drugs.

As such the Company prohibits such misuse and carries out regular testing to enforce our Substance Misuse Policy.

Please see the attached job description for further details on safety, security, wellbeing & compliance.

  • What we are looking for
  • Proven HR Business Partner or Senior HR Advisor experience in a complex, unionised environment.
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and best practice in employee relations.
  • Demonstrable experience of handling complex ER cases from start to resolution.
  • Experience of working with trade unions, including consultation and negotiation.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong problem-solving ability with resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to balance operational needs with a people-first approach.
  • CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Diversity

Menzies Aviation are a committed equal opportunity employer and encourage applications for suitably qualified and eligible applicants regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, and maternity.

We strive to create an inclusive working environment, where the different knowledge, perspectives, experiences, and approaches of our global workforce are represented.

Where everyone feels valued and can reach their full potential.

Please be aware that as part of our recruitment process, we may look to use a variety of resourcing tools to help us understand your skills and experience in relation to the role.

Please feel free to contact to recruiter below, if there are any reasonable adjustments to our process that you would like us to consider.

As part of our recruitment process, we will always consider how candidates fit with our values which you can learn more about here.

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HR Business Partner - LHR employer: John Menzies

John Menzies is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Heathrow Airport where teamwork and attention to detail are paramount. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to inclusivity, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to contribute to high standards of cleanliness in aviation. With a focus on reliability and training, this role provides meaningful employment in a vibrant location.

John Menzies

Contact Details:

John Menzies Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner - LHR

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at John Menzies!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at John Menzies.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner - LHR

Employee Relations (ER)
Industrial Relations (IR)
UK Employment Law
Complex ER Case Management
Trade Union Engagement
Consultation and Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at John Menzies. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to John Menzies and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at John Menzies. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to John Menzies's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at John Menzies

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with John Menzies.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at John Menzies will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact John Menzies and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.