Graduate - HR Business Partner
Graduate - HR Business Partner

Graduate - HR Business Partner

City of London Placement 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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MSD in the UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our HR team to drive impactful projects and enhance employee experiences.
  • Company: Global biopharmaceutical leader dedicated to saving lives through innovative solutions.
  • Benefits: Exciting 2-year graduate programme with mentorship, coaching, and diverse experiences.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a collaborative environment while developing your HR skills.
  • Qualifications: Honours degree or equivalent; empathy and high emotional intelligence are key.
  • Other info: Flexible work arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

Overview

Job Description

This role will be based in our modern state-of-the-art co-working facilities in Moorgate, London. This site, at the heart of London provides fantastic amenities, support services and collaborative workspaces with convenient transport links.

We are a global biopharmaceutical leader committed to enhancing the lives of individuals through a diverse portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology treatments, life-saving vaccines, and animal health products. Our unwavering dedication to delivering innovative solutions is the driving force behind everything we do.

We offer exciting 2 year graduate programme opportunities to recent graduates that are looking to work with us to deliver on our mission to save and improve lives. A placement with us will give you the opportunity to collaborate alongside subject matter experts, bring your own ideas and share real responsibility whilst delivering on meaningful projects alongside a passionate, diverse and inclusive workforce.

Graduate Placement Overview

The 2-year programme will provide you with breadth of experience across all the company’s divisions. You will have the opportunity to work on projects in Manufacturing, Research & Development, Animal Health as well as the commercial operations of our Human Health Division and the support functions associated with them. You will also develop a depth of knowledge and skills across the employee life cycle with involvement in talent acquisition, talent development, employee relations, wellbeing, and compensation & benefits.

You will be a key member of the HR team, driving the implementation of our company’s People Strategy and will very quickly take responsibility for your own projects and their deliverables. You will need to be flexible in your approach to work, delivering analysis and detailed work to the highest standards whilst also dealing with sensitive issues or delivering large scale employee communications. As your experience and understanding of our business grows you can expect to take ownership of more complex and challenging issues.

We expect you to bring your whole self to the team and value the unique contributions you will bring. You will receive coaching from members of the wider HR team and will have the opportunity to have a mentor from the HR Senior Team.

Examples Of Duties And Responsibilities

  • Intern / student programme management
  • HR / Company award submissions eg Top Employer Award, International Diversity and Inclusion Awards
  • HR Policy and Process improvement
  • Management of Communications to employees regarding changes to terms and conditions, HR policies and processes
  • Organisational change projects
  • Grievance and disciplinary processes
  • Core administration in support of the HR team

Essential

Technical Requirements

  • Honours degree or equivalent
  • Highest level of integrity
  • Empathetic and High Emotional Intelligence
  • Flexible and proactively stepping outside of your comfort zone
  • Self-aware and seeks out feedback in order to drive development

Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduates

We are looking for students based in the UK who complete their undergraduate degree between 2024 and 2026.

Important Note

  • We do not provide sponsorship for UK work visas during or after the graduate program.
  • To be eligible for the 2-year program, you must have the right to work in the UK for its entire duration.

How To Apply (Please Read)

Please complete the online application form by answering questions within the application and upload your CV and Cover Letter in a combined document in the ‘resume/CV’ section.

Our standard Future Talent recruitment process is An online application, a virtual conversation and then a final assessment.

Next Steps

In the event of your successful progression to the next stage, one of our future talent team will contact you within two – three weeks of the application closing date.

Start Date

September 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

For more Information visit our Future Talent page!

#UKFT25

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Notes for Agencies

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully: Merck & Co., Inc. does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status

Project Temps (Fixed Term)

Relocation

VISA Sponsorship

Travel Requirements

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

Valid Driving License

Hazardous Material(s)

Required Skills

Business, Business Administration, Business Performance Management, Compensation Program Design, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Employee Development, Employment Legislation, European Labour Law, HR Documentation, HR Systems Implementation, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), Human Resource Metrics, Human Resources Analytics, Management Process, Project Management, Qualification Development, Recruiting Processes, Social Media Communications, Technical Acumen

Preferred Skills

Job Posting End Date

10/7/2025

Requisition ID R364170

Seniority level Not Applicable

Employment type Full-time

Job function General Business, Administrative, and Customer Service

Industries Biotechnology Research, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Veterinary Services

End of description

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Graduate - HR Business Partner employer: MSD in the UK

Join a global biopharmaceutical leader in our state-of-the-art Moorgate, London office, where you will be part of a diverse and inclusive workforce dedicated to saving and improving lives. Our graduate programme offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing you to work on meaningful projects across various divisions while receiving mentorship from experienced HR professionals. With fantastic amenities and collaborative workspaces, we foster a culture of innovation and support that empowers you to bring your unique contributions to the team.
MSD in the UK

Contact Detail:

MSD in the UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate - HR Business Partner

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni or professionals in the HR field. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for virtual conversations by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another applicant; you’re genuinely interested in their mission to save and improve lives.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role of an HR Business Partner. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - HR Business Partner

Project Management
Employee Relations
Talent Acquisition
Talent Development
Wellbeing
Compensation & Benefits
HR Policy and Process Improvement
Organisational Change Management
Grievance and Disciplinary Processes
Communication Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Flexibility
Self-Awareness
Feedback Seeking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Business Partner role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description, showing us why you're the perfect fit for our team.

Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for the biopharmaceutical industry and HR. Use your application to express why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to our mission of saving and improving lives.

Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the online application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to convey.

Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in HR roles. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

How to prepare for a job interview at MSD in the UK

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their products and recent developments in the biopharmaceutical field. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Flexibility

Since the role requires a flexible approach, prepare examples from your past experiences where you adapted to changing situations or took on new challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence

Given the importance of empathy in HR, think of instances where you've successfully navigated sensitive issues or supported others. Highlighting your emotional intelligence can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare insightful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and the specific projects you might be involved in. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team and grow within the company.

Graduate - HR Business Partner
MSD in the UK
Location: City of London
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