Human Resources Business Partner in Essex, Harlow

Job Description

HR Business Partner - CIPD 3 or 5 Qualified Temporary to Permanent Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Senior HR Business Partner to provide expert HR advice and operational support within a busy education environment. This is a varied senior generalist position requiring strong employee relations expertise, sound employment law knowledge and the confidence to partner with senior managers.

The Role

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, restructures, redundancies, TUPE and organisational change.
• Partner with senior leaders and managers, providing practical HR advice, coaching and guidance.
• Oversee the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, pre-employment checks, contracts, performance, family leave, absence and employee exits.
• Ensure compliance with safer recruitment, Right to Work and safeguarding requirements, including maintaining an accurate Single Central Record.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, talent development and delivery of the HR strategy.
• Manage HR data and produce workforce reports and management information to identify trends and support decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with Occupational Health, Trade Unions and other key stakeholders.
• Support employee engagement, wellbeing and organisational development initiatives.
• Lead and support HR change projects, ensuring processes are legally compliant and effectively managed.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of HR when required.

Please note: Line management responsibilities would apply once permanently appointed.

About You

We are looking for an experienced HR professional with:

• Substantial HR Business Partner / Senior HR Generalist experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations.
• Proven experience managing complex disciplinary, grievance, absence, restructure and change management cases.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment and Right to Work requirements.
• Strong coaching, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Confidence working within a busy, fast-paced environment and managing competing priorities.
• Good Microsoft Office and HR systems experience.
• A strong understanding of equality, diversity and safeguarding.

CIPD qualification is desirable rather than essential. Candidates holding Level 3 or Level 5 will be considered.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished HR professional looking to take on a broad, influential role within a people-focused organisation.