At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a strategic advisor on people initiatives and lead organisational change.
- Company: Join Optima Health, the UK's largest provider of Occupational Health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cash plan, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace health and wellbeing while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR with strong knowledge of UK employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Home Based with travel to Warrington
Salary: up to £45,000 dependant on experience
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday (7.5 hours per day) between 8am-6pm
Closing Date: Monday 29th June 2026 @ 5pm.
Right to live and work in the UK is required for this role.
About Us
Optima Health is the UK's largest provider of Occupational Health and wellbeing services, supporting organisations across both the public and private sectors. With a heritage dating back to 1947, we have been helping employers create healthier, high-performing workplaces for generations, and we continue to evolve with innovative, practical solutions that make a real difference.
At the heart of our story are our people. We bring together like-minded professionals who are passionate about improving workplace health and wellbeing and delivering meaningful support to the organisations we work with across the UK. When you join Optima Health, you become part of something bigger. We invest in our people through structured induction, ongoing training and tailored career development, helping you build the skills and experience to grow your career.
Together, We Live Our Values
- One Team – There are no barriers in our business. We trust each other and work together as one team to deliver what our clients need.
- Doing the Right Thing – We operate to the highest standards. Success is underpinned by honesty and integrity, and by doing what we say we will do.
- Caring for our colleagues' wellbeing – Respecting their time, energy and balance is fundamental to this value.
- Shaping Tomorrow – We are always looking for ways to improve and innovate.
- Never Too Big to Care – We always retain a client‑first approach.
Role Summary
As a People Business Partner, you will act as a strategic advisor to leadership, aligning people initiatives with business objectives through data‑driven insights and bespoke training. You will provide expert guidance on UK employment law and oversee complex employee relations cases, coaching managers to improve performance and resolve conflict effectively within the business area you support. A portion of the role involves leading organisational change, including restructures, redundancies, and TUPE transfers. You will be responsible for ensuring legal compliance and minimising risk during these transitions. Beyond case management, you will drive continuous improvement by supporting workforce planning, engagement initiatives, and wellbeing strategies to enhance overall business capability.
The successful candidate will be required to travel to our Warrington office when the need arises, therefore we are looking for a People Business Partner located no more than 90 minutes from Warrington. There will also be further requirements to travel to Optima Health Head Offices on an ad‑hoc basis.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted advisor and partner to senior leaders and line managers on all people‑related matters, ensuring HR policies and practices support business strategy.
- Provide expert guidance on UK employment law, employee relations, and best practices.
- Lead and manage complex change programs, including restructures and site integrations, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and minimising risk.
- Provide comprehensive HR support and ownership for projects involving the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE).
- Manage the full redundancy lifecycle, ensuring fair and consistent application of policy.
- Handle complex and high‑risk employee relations cases through to resolution.
- Coach managers on effective employee management, conflict resolution, and performance improvement.
- Ensure policies and procedures are up‑to‑date, legally compliant, and aligned with strategic objectives.
- Support engagement plans and wellbeing initiatives driving improvement throughout the business.
- Contribute and support on projects such as appraisal solutions, workforce planning and our development framework.
- Collaborate with the Senior Management HR Team to drive continuous improvement and support projects as required.
- Present insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders using clear data‑driven reporting.
- Travel will be required across the companies' offices, as necessary.
- Conduct other ad‑hoc tasks commensurate with level of responsibility as requested.
- Lead by example and foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture that reflects Optima Health's values.
Experience, Skills And Knowledge Required For The Role
- Proven experience as an HR Business Partner in a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment.
- Deep and practical expertise in UK employment law, specifically with managing and leading TUPE transfers, significant restructures, and statutory redundancy processes.
- Demonstrable track record of successfully managing complex, high‑risk employee relations cases.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate business needs into effective HR solutions.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- CIPD Level 7 qualified, or equivalent.
What We Can Offer You
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Pension Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Volunteer Days
- YuLife Employee Benefits Platform
- Save As You Earn Scheme
- Eye Test Vouchers
- Flu Vaccination Scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Clinical Training Academy
- Paid CPD Days
- Professional Registration Fees Paid
- RAVE Awards
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Right to Request Flexible Working From Day 1
Optima Health is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants meeting the minimum criteria for the role will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender or gender expression, disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief or sexual orientation.
People Business Partner employer: Optima Health (OH&W)
Optima Health is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, employees benefit from tailored career development opportunities, comprehensive training, and a range of attractive perks including flexible working options and generous leave policies. Located with the flexibility of home-based work and occasional travel to Warrington, this role allows you to make a meaningful impact in the field of occupational health while being part of a dedicated team that values every contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner
✨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 Optima Health (OH&W)!
✨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 Optima Health (OH&W).
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner
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 Optima Health (OH&W). 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 Optima Health (OH&W) 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 Optima Health (OH&W). List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Optima Health (OH&W)'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 Optima Health (OH&W)
✨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 Optima Health (OH&W).
✨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 Optima Health (OH&W) 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 Optima Health (OH&W) and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.