At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR initiatives and deliver high-quality HR services across various teams.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a vibrant employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a collaborative atmosphere with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic HR role while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or corporate environments and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 46148 - 52809 £ 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 24,000 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.
Role Purpose
We are seeking a Junior HR Business Partner to support the delivery of a high-quality, commercially focused HR service across Central Functions, Private Clients, and Tech Companies. Working in close partnership with the HR Business Partner, this role will contribute to the delivery of people strategies, provide pragmatic day-to-day HR support, and help drive key initiatives that enable business performance and growth. This is a hands-on role that requires a capable and proactive individual who can quickly build strong, credible relationships with stakeholders. While supporting the HR Business Partner, the role holder will take ownership of defined areas, ensuring consistent, commercially sound HR advice and the effective application of people practices.
The Junior HR Business Partner will embed themselves within the business, developing a deep understanding of stakeholder priorities and challenges, and supporting the delivery of practical HR solutions that align with business needs. They will work closely with Centres of Expertise, including Recruitment, Reward, Talent & Development and HR Operations, to ensure a joined-up and high-impact approach to people initiatives. The successful candidate will bring experience of operating in a fast-paced, commercial environment, with the confidence and judgement to deliver outcomes, apply consistent HR practices, and support senior stakeholders effectively. This role offers the opportunity to further develop HR partnering capability while contributing to a high-performing, growth-focused business.
Key Accountabilities
- Support the HR Business Partner in implementing people initiatives that align with the business strategy and objectives for Howden UK&I Retail.
- Assist in gathering and understanding information about the pillar’s people, their aspirations, challenges, and talent requirements, helping to inform future planning.
- Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, performance, and talent management activities, ensuring key HR processes are efficiently delivered.
- Facilitate the coordination of people-related elements of organisational change, such as mergers and acquisitions, following established frameworks and supporting team engagement.
- Collaborate closely with team members across HR and the business, helping to deliver a consistent and positive employee experience.
- Collaborate with Centres of Expertise (COEs) to support the development and delivery of solutions tailored to business needs, as guided by the HR Business Partner.
- Assist in administering the annual compensation and rewards process, ensuring accuracy and transparency under the guidance of the HR Business Partner.
- Build professional working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders throughout the organisation.
- Assist in collecting and analysing HR data to inform recommendations and support business decision-making.
- Maintain awareness of external market trends and developments, sharing insights with the HR Business Partner to support team learning and adaptation.
- Act as a point of contact for the HR Advisory team on employee relations and employment life cycle matters.
Skills & Experience
- Experience in a regulated Corporate environment.
- Experience supporting a HR Business Partner with a proven understanding of HR subject areas.
- Experience of supporting leaders and partnering in a complex business, working across cultures and building and managing relationships virtually.
- Translating strategic people requirements and or regional/global context into language with which the wider business can engage and operate.
- A hands-on HR practitioner. In this role, you will work on both strategic and operational HR matters, developing effective relationships with collaborators, customers, partners, and team members.
- Approachable and innovative, able to proactively streamline and simplify processes and problem-solve using technology-based solutions to drive automation and scalability.
- Comfortable working with ambiguity and able to navigate solutions in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment with a varied workload.
- Able to challenge confidently whilst maintaining credible relationships as well as handling a range of difficult conversations and situations.
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.
Junior HR Business Partner in London employer: London Insurance Life
Howden is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and a collaborative culture, making it a standout choice for those seeking meaningful work. With a strong focus on career progression, work-life balance, and sustainability, employees are empowered to drive change while enjoying a supportive environment in vibrant locations like London and Birmingham. The company offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role as they contribute to a high-performing, growth-focused business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior HR Business Partner in London
✨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 London Insurance Life!
✨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 London Insurance Life.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior HR Business Partner in London
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 London Insurance Life. 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 London Insurance Life 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 London Insurance Life. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to London Insurance Life'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 London Insurance Life
✨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 London Insurance Life.
✨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 London Insurance Life 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 London Insurance Life and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
