At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape talent strategies and drive organisational effectiveness in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Microsoft, a leader in innovation and technology with a growth mindset culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values unique perspectives and fosters continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting people decisions to business results in a transformative role.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR experience and strong strategic partnership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 100400 - 200500 £ per year.
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our culture is built on a growth mindset, continuous learning, and the belief that diverse perspectives fuel innovation. We create an environment where people are encouraged to challenge convention, expand what's possible, and bring their unique experiences and ideas to meaningful work. Together, we deliver technology and breakthroughs that transform how people live, work, and connect around the world.
As a Director, People Business Partnership in the Geo Commercial People Team, you will help shape the talent strategy behind some of Microsoft's fastest-growing and most innovative businesses. You will connect people decisions directly to business results, including customer outcomes, capacity, delivery quality, and cost-to-serve, using people data and insights to guide decisions. As the business becomes AI-native, you will redesign work, roles, and teams so that people and agents work effectively together. This is a hands-on role. You will build, test, simplify, and scale solutions yourself, not only advise leaders or oversee programs. Leaders will rely on you as a trusted advisor who takes initiative, brings clear options and trade-offs, and prioritises the collective over a single client group. They will also count on your curiosity, sound judgment, and growth mindset.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Business Partnership: Partner with leaders across the Commercial business to align people, organization, and culture strategies with business priorities. Provide strategic People guidance that supports organizational goals, growth, and business transformation. Build trusted partnerships with leaders to identify opportunities that strengthen organizational effectiveness and employee experience.
- Leadership Coaching and Organizational Effectiveness: Coach and advise leaders on team effectiveness, leadership practices, organizational health, and employee engagement. Facilitate discussions that help leaders strengthen collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and decision-making. Support leaders in creating environments where employees can grow, contribute, and perform at their best.
- Organizational Design: Lead organizational design initiatives, including workforce planning, organizational restructures, operating model changes, and business transformation efforts. Develop and implement change management strategies that support successful adoption of organizational priorities and business objectives. Partner with stakeholders to ensure organizational changes are communicated clearly and executed effectively.
- Talent Strategy and Workforce Planning: Collaborate with leaders to develop talent strategies that support current and future business needs. Assess organizational capabilities, identify talent gaps, and recommend solutions that enable long-term success. Support succession planning, talent development, and workforce planning efforts to strengthen organizational readiness.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage people insights, employee feedback, organizational health metrics, talent movement trends, attrition data, compensation information, and manager effectiveness indicators to inform recommendations. Identify emerging organizational opportunities and risks through analysis of workforce data and trends. Provide leaders with actionable insights that support informed decision-making and organizational health.
Qualifications
- Required/minimum qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field AND 9+ years experience in human resources or related processes (e.g., hiring, performance management) OR equivalent experience OR Master's Degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field AND 6+ years experience in human resources or related processes (e.g., hiring, training, performance management) OR equivalent experience.
- 5+ years experience with partnering with wide network of clients and across human resources to deliver effective business solutions OR equivalent experience.
- Additional or preferred qualifications: Master's Degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field AND 12+ years experience in human resources or related processes (e.g., hiring, training, performance management) OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field AND 15+ years experience in human resources or related processes (e.g., hiring, performance management) OR equivalent experience.
- Human Resources Professional Certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM, CIPD).
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
Director, People Business Partnership employer: Microsoft
At Microsoft, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of AI Business Solution Sales Manager. Our culture is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on collaboration and customer success, our team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact, supported by industry-leading resources and a commitment to employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, People Business Partnership
✨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 Microsoft!
✨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 Microsoft.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, People Business Partnership
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 Microsoft. 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 Microsoft 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 Microsoft. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Microsoft'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 Microsoft
✨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 Microsoft.
✨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 Microsoft 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 Microsoft and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
