At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HR strategy for major infrastructure projects, focusing on workforce planning and engagement.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure organisation experiencing significant growth in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Flexible working options with regular travel to project sites; company car available for frequent travellers.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of infrastructure while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic HR experience, strong organisational design skills, and a commercial mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
HR Business Partner – Major Infrastructure Projects – Midlands
Midlands (with regular travel)
£55,000–£65,000 + car or allowance + bonus + benefits
Permanent | Full-time
An Exciting Opportunity to Shape HR Strategy in a Growing Infrastructure Business
A leading infrastructure organisation is undergoing significant growth across its power transmission and distribution division in the Midlands. As part of this expansion, we\'re seeking a talented and strategic HR Business Partner to support a high-profile portfolio of major infrastructure projects, with a primary base in Derbyshire and coverage extending across the North and Wales.
About the Role
As HR Business Partner, you’ll work directly with the Operations Director and senior leadership to drive the people agenda across a permanent workforce of approximately 300 employees, along with centrally resourced project staff bringing the total up to around 450 FTE. Your focus will be on aligning HR strategy with project delivery, enabling effective workforce planning, engagement, and development.
This is a genuinely strategic role in a dynamic, fast-paced, and commercially driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Organisational Effectiveness & Design : Support mobilisation of large-scale infrastructure projects with efficient workforce structures.
- Talent & Workforce Planning : Identify skill gaps, support succession planning, and work with L&D teams to address talent shortages.
- Engagement & Culture : Deliver engagement initiatives tailored to a blended workforce of permanent and site-based employees.
- Strategic ER Leadership : Leverage strong ER knowledge and commercial awareness to guide sensitive issues (without being casework-heavy).
- Data-Driven HR : Use workforce data to identify trends and implement strategies to reduce turnover and improve retention.
- HR Project Leadership : Lead or contribute to broader HR initiatives such as leadership development, ED&I, and values campaigns.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a strategic HR Business Partner – ideally in Infrastructure, Engineering, or another fast-paced, operational environment (Retail/FM)
- Ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders with confidence.
- Strong organisational design and talent planning expertise.
- Experience working within complex or matrixed organisations.
- Commercial mindset with a practical approach to workforce and resource management.
- Resilient, pragmatic, and solution focused.
Role Logistics
- Ideally based in Derbyshire with flexible working (2–3 days in office, 1 day per week at project sites, remainder remote).
- Regular travel (monthly / bi-monthly) to project locations including Cardiff, Hull, Middlesborough (overnight stays not typically required).
- Travel is expensed; car allowance (£5,400) or company car option available.
- Candidates exceeding 7,500 business miles/year must select the company car option (policy flexibility available if needed).
Reward & Benefits
- Salary : £55,000–£65,000 (flexible up to ~£70,000 for exceptional candidates, subject to internal approval)
- Bonus : Up to 10%
- Car Allowance or Company Car
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays
- Family Private Healthcare
- Up to 7% Employer Pension Contribution
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you’re a strategic HR leader looking to take on a high-impact role in a growth-focused environment — and have the credibility to partner with ambitious operational leaders — we’d love to hear from you.
HR Business Partner - Midlands in Derby employer: Middlemore
Join a leading infrastructure organisation that prioritises employee growth and engagement in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on strategic HR initiatives, you will have the opportunity to shape the people agenda while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous salary, car allowance, and private healthcare. Our supportive work culture encourages collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent place for HR professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner - Midlands in Derby
✨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 Middlemore!
✨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 Middlemore.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner - Midlands in Derby
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 Middlemore. 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 Middlemore 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 Middlemore. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Middlemore'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 Middlemore
✨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 Middlemore.
✨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 Middlemore 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 Middlemore and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
