At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a trusted advisor in HR, supporting managers and driving meaningful change.
- Company: Join South East Water, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible leave, and wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experiences while growing your HR career.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience, strong communication, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
At South East Water, we’re looking for a Human Resources Business Partner to join our HR department. This isn't just a support role; it’s an opportunity to act as a trusted advisor and the primary point of contact for managers across the employee lifecycle. Whether you’re an experienced professional looking for a better work-life balance, or a rising talent ready to dive into meaningful, hands-on projects, this role offers the independence and variety you’ve been searching for.
You’ll be at the heart of our operations, specifically supporting the Engineering and Asset Management function, and working alongside senior managers on meaningful change initiatives. You will work closely with specialists in Recruitment, Reward, and Organisational Development to implement everything from workforce planning to talent management, ensuring our people-related solutions are innovative and flexible. This is a hybrid opportunity, working 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.
Main responsibilities:- Leading on delivering the overarching strategic initiatives of the People Plan across relevant business areas.
- Being the primary contact for managers, overseeing all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
- Delivering key HR initiatives across the HR spectrum, including workforce planning, restructuring, resourcing, talent management, pay and reward, employee relations, employee engagement and performance management.
- Directly influences, advises and supports senior managers in the implementation of complex change initiatives.
- Supporting the development and implementation of SEW pay and reward strategy e.g. assisting with the pay negotiations, salary benchmarking, the annual performance review and bonus allocation process.
- As a trusted business partner, proactively cultivate strong and trusted working relationships with teams, managers and key stakeholders across the organisation, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes effective and positive change.
- Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counselling, career development, disciplinary actions).
- Identifies training needs within business units and engages with Organisational Development teams to deliver appropriate programmes.
- Participates in the evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure their effectiveness.
- Ensures that training objectives are met and return on investment (ROI) achieved.
- Provides support for Organizational Development (OD) initiatives, including succession planning and annual appraisal.
- Conducts thorough analysis of HR trends and metrics to identify potential issues, and develop tailored solutions, programs, and policies to align with the needs of the business.
- Takes responsibility for meeting all Directorate reporting obligations by delivering comprehensive and precise HR management information.
- Promotes best practice ways of working across HR policies and facilitates the resolution of people related conflicts and issues.
- As required, provide coaching to various stakeholders within the organisation to enhance skills and capabilities in all people-related activities.
- Actively participates and contributes to monthly Directorate meetings and senior management meetings.
- Proactively identifies and addresses any people-related concerns, collaborating with senior managers to develop effective solutions that align with the overall business strategy.
- Performing any other reasonable duties as directed by line management.
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience.
- Problem solving and analytical capability.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and people management skills.
- Intellectual curiosity.
- Tenacity and patience.
- Negotiation and influencing skills.
- Commercial awareness.
- Coaching skills.
- Strong team player.
- Strong organisational skills and able to manage multiple projects/relationships.
- Proven ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience of grasping issues quickly and delivering effective and efficient solutions.
- In-depth knowledge and experience of managing complex employee relations cases.
- Demonstrable expertise in cultivating organisational culture and driving transformative change.
- Proficient in leading and supporting change management initiatives.
- Proven experience in managing professional, effective and proactive relationships with senior leaders.
- Proven track record of delivering value adding HR solutions, leveraging data-driven approaches to achieve impactful outcomes.
We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package:- Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
- Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Life assurance.
- Wellbeing related benefits.
To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!
Human Resources Business Partner employer: South East Water
At South East Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration and diversity. As a Cost Controller, you will not only play a crucial role in managing multi-million pound projects but also benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and a generous benefits package, including a stakeholder pension scheme and flexible leave options. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources 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 South East Water!
✨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 South East Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources 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 South East Water. 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 South East Water 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 South East Water. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to South East Water'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 South East Water
✨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 South East Water.
✨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 South East Water 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 South East Water and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
