At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a caring workforce and shape the future of our organisation.
- Company: Optalis, a values-driven care organisation delivering high-quality adult social care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25-30 days leave, health perks, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to continuous improvement and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive culture while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent experience with strong HR generalist skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits.
Location: Hybrid – across Optalis services in Wokingham, Windsor & Maidenhead.
Contract: Full-time, permanent.
About Us
Optalis is a values‑driven care organisation delivering high‑quality adult social care and support services across our communities. We are on an ambitious journey of organisational development, strengthening our culture, improving governance, and building a resilient, skilled workforce for the future. As we continue to grow and mature, we are looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to join our HR team and play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation we are becoming.
The Role
As an HR Business Partner, you will work closely with senior leaders, managers, and teams to provide expert guidance across the full range of people matters. You will be a trusted advisor, supporting services through change, improving performance and capability, and ensuring our people practices are consistent, fair, and aligned with our values. You will lead on complex employee relations, workforce planning, succession planning, and organisational development initiatives. You will also contribute to key programmes of work, including culture change, leadership development, and strengthening our approach to wellbeing and retention.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with senior leaders to deliver people strategies that support service performance and organisational priorities.
- Provide expert advice on employee relations, including complex casework, change management, and organisational restructures.
- Lead workforce planning activity, supporting services to anticipate and respond to workforce risks, including our ageing workforce profile.
- Support managers to build capability, confidence, and consistency in people management.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of HR policies, frameworks, and improvement initiatives.
- Use data and insight to inform decision‑making, identify trends, and drive proactive interventions.
- Champion our values and help embed a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture across all services.
- Work collaboratively with the wider People & OD team to deliver high‑quality, customer‑focused HR services.
About You
You will bring credibility, confidence, and a proactive approach. You will be comfortable navigating complexity, influencing at all levels, and balancing operational demands with strategic priorities. We are looking for someone who:
- Has significant HR generalist experience, ideally within a complex, multi‑site organisation.
- Is CIPD Level 5 qualified (Level 7 desirable) or has equivalent experience.
- Has strong knowledge of employment law and best practice.
- Can build strong, trusting relationships with managers and staff.
- Is resilient, solutions‑focused, and able to work with sensitivity in emotionally demanding situations.
- Brings a coaching mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Is aligned with our values and passionate about supporting a workforce that delivers high‑quality care.
Benefits
- A Perkbox rewards package offering discounts on cinema, shopping, health, travel and insurance.
- 25 days annual leave (pro rata) rising annually to a maximum of 30 days with 8 bank holidays, and an extra day off for your birthday.
- An additional health and wellbeing day.
- A comprehensive paid training and development programme.
- Excellent career progression opportunities and support.
- As a valued and integral member of the team you will have a voice in the service and forums to be heard and make a difference.
- STAR awards – a reward scheme which recognises staff who have gone the extra mile.
How to Apply
If you are motivated by the opportunity to support a caring, committed workforce and help shape the future of Optalis, we would love to hear from you. Closing Date for applications 2 June 2026, interviews week commencing 8 June 2026. Please email Helen Woodland CEO to arrange an informal chat or Email applications to helen.woodland@optalis.org.
Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and customers. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check and will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Adult Barred list.
HR Business Partner in Wokingham employer: Optalis
Optalis is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive training programme, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to high-quality adult social care across Wokingham, Windsor, and Maidenhead. Join us to be part of a values-driven organisation where your voice matters and you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work at Optalis or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Optalis' values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their ambitious journey of organisational development.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. We want to see how you handle complex employee relations and workforce planning. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to high-quality care.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our values at Optalis. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your HR knowledge, especially around employee relations and workforce planning. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills and how they can benefit us.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for supporting a caring workforce!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optalis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around employment law and best practices. Familiarise yourself with Optalis' values and how they align with your own experience in HR.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to handle complex employee relations and workforce planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Be a Culture Champion
Optalis is all about values-driven care, so be ready to discuss how you've contributed to a positive workplace culture in previous roles. Think about initiatives you've led or been part of that improved team dynamics or employee wellbeing.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation's future. Inquire about their current challenges in HR, how they measure success in people strategies, or what their vision for organisational development looks like.
