At a Glance
- Tasks: Support leaders in navigating employee relations and driving cultural change across the Southern Division.
- Company: Join McCarthy & Stone, the UK's leading retirement community developer.
- Benefits: Flexible working, health benefits, pension scheme, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR with strong knowledge of UK employment law and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Are you a confident and commercially minded HR professional who thrives on building trusted stakeholder relationships, navigating complex employee relations matters, and driving positive cultural change?
Do you bring strong UK employment law knowledge, excellent influencing skills, and the confidence to support and challenge senior leaders in a fast-paced operational environment?
We are looking for a proactive and solutions-focused People Partner to join our Southern Division on a 12-month maternity cover contract, supporting developments across the southern counties.
This is a highly visible partnering role where stakeholder management, coaching capability, and hands‑on ER expertise will be critical to success.
You will be experienced in managing a broad range of employee relations casework, including complex and sensitive matters, providing pragmatic, risk‑aware advice while balancing commercial priorities with colleague experience.
You will be comfortable operating in a healthcare or care‑related environment where pace, empathy, resilience, and sound judgement are essential.
Alongside strong operational HR capability, you will have the confidence to influence leaders at all levels, challenge constructively, and build credibility quickly across a diverse stakeholder group.
You will also bring strong analytical capability, using people data and insight to support decision‑making and drive continuous improvement.
With proven change management experience, you will help leaders navigate organisational change effectively while maintaining engagement, performance, and operational stability.
This role will involve regular travel across developments within the Southern Division, with an expectation of spending a couple of days each week on site.
You may already be working as a People Partner or HR Business Partner, or you could be an experienced Senior HR Advisor ready to step into a broader partnering role.
What sets you apart is your ability to build trusted relationships, manage complexity with confidence, and support leaders to create high‑performing, engaged teams.
We will give you
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Professional Subscriptions paid for
- This role is based at our Bournemouth Office and offers a flexible working pattern: two/three days at developments, and two/three day working from home.
- 2 fully paid volunteering days per year (supported by the Mc Carthy & Stone Foundation)
- Health benefits such as Private Health Care (Employee Only); Remote GP, 24/7 access to EAP Services (including counsellors and legal advisors) and eyecare voucher
- Colleagues Benefit Booklet with a range of store offers discounts and promotions
- Family Friendly Policies
- Your Impact
As a People Partner, you will
- Act as a trusted advisor, coaching and guiding managers on all people matters, from engagement and performance to ER cases.
- Lead and implement people initiatives across engagement, ED&I, succession planning, and talent management.
- Deliver the people strategy with confidence, supporting leaders to embed policies, values, and a high‑performing culture Use people metrics to identify trends and shape effective, data‑driven interventions.
- Champion employee engagement, supporting programmes such as monthly pulse surveys and Great Place to Work.
- Partner with stakeholders to plan and deliver change, ensuring smooth transitions and strong communication.
- Your Attributes
- Trusted Relationship Builder - builds credibility quickly and influences stakeholders at all levels through strong communication, professionalism, and partnership.
- ER Specialist - Confidently manages complex employee relations matters with sound judgement, empathy, and a strong understanding of employment law and risk.
- Commercial Thinker - Balances operational priorities with people outcomes, ensuring pragmatic and effective decision‑making.
- Coach and Influencer - Supports and develops leaders to improve capability, confidence, and accountability in people management.
- Resilient and Adaptable - Thrives in a fast‑paced environment, managing competing priorities with energy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Change Champion - Guides teams and leaders through periods of change with structure, empathy, and a focus on engagement and performance.
About Us
As the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, we provide high quality homes to exacting specifications.
As of July 2026, Mc Carthy & Stone operates over 550 developments across the UK for more than 25,000 people.
We believe in championing the role, wellbeing, and happiness of older people in society.
We help our customers have a better later life, so they feel more connected, recognised, and valued than ever.
In late 2020 we launched the Mc Carthy & Stone Charitable Foundation to support local causes that help older people in need across Britain.
We are proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work and Best Workplaces for Wellbeing 2026. e
At Mc Carthy Stone, we celebrate diversity and promote equality and inclusion amongst our colleagues.
We welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.
All applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, and we hold the right to appoint before the closing date.
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Human Resources Business Partner in Bournemouth employer: McCarthy & Stone
As a Registered Care Manager with us, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of older people across South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. We offer competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a company car or allowance, alongside ongoing training and career progression opportunities in a nurturing environment. Our commitment to high-quality care is matched by our dedication to employee growth, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner in Bournemouth
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at McCarthy & Stone and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at McCarthy & Stone. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at McCarthy & Stone
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at McCarthy & Stone, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that McCarthy & Stone uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at McCarthy & Stone.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at McCarthy & Stone.
