HR Operations Business Partner in Leeds

Quest Waste Management is a growing provider of drainage, industrial, tankering, and response services, operating from our headquarters in Ossett, West Yorkshire, with regional depots in Leeds and Kirkby in Ashfield. As we continue to expand, we are looking for committed and motivated people to join us and help drive our success. We are seeking a practical, organised, and experienced HR Operations Business Partner to support the day-to-day running of our people operations. This is a hands-on role focused on keeping HR processes running smoothly, supporting managers with real-time people issues, and ensuring compliance across the employee lifecycle. You’ll be involved in everything from recruitment and onboarding through to employee relations, absence management, and HR administration. You will act as a first point of contact for managers and employees, providing clear, pragmatic HR support while maintaining accurate records and ensuring processes are followed correctly. This role will be based at our Leeds depot, with regular travel to attend meetings and conduct business at other depots, including Ossett and Kirkby in Ashfield.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for HR and people-related queries from employees and managers.
• Provide practical, clear advice on HR policies, procedures, and employment best practice.
• Manage and support day-to-day HR issues including sickness absence, performance concerns, and conduct matters.
• Maintain accurate employee records, absence data, and HR documentation.
• Support and manage employee relations casework including absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, and performance matters.
• Prepare managers for informal and formal meetings, including pre-meetings and guidance on key questions.
• Attend informal and formal hearings, accurately taking notes and ensuring records are complete and compliant.
• Draft outcome letters and follow-up documentation following meetings and hearings.
• Manage end-to-end recruitment activity, including job adverts, candidate screening, interview coordination, and offers.
• Ensure a smooth and well-organised onboarding process, including contracts, pre-employment checks, inductions, and system setup.
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure new starters are fully equipped for their first day.
• Manage offboarding processes, ensuring leavers are handled professionally and documentation is completed accurately.
• Maintain HR systems and personnel files, ensuring data accuracy and GDPR compliance.
• Support payroll with monthly changes such as starters, leavers, absence, and contractual changes.
• Produce HR reports and absence data to support operational decision-making.
• Maintain HR policies and support continuous improvement of HR processes.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law with practical experience handling employee relations cases.
• Full UK driving licence, with flexibility to travel to regional depots when required.
• Minimum 3 years previous experience in a hands-on HR Administrator, HR Officer, or HR & Operations role.
• Proven experience supporting managers with investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, and informal processes.
• Experience taking accurate notes during informal and formal hearings.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and confident handling sensitive information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR systems.
• CIPD Level 3 qualified.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.