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- Tasks: Partner with leaders to deliver practical HR solutions and support employee relations.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a global leader in towage and marine services with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package including pension, health plan, and a bonus.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting operational teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or People Business Partner roles, especially in unionised settings.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Svitzer is a leading global towage and marine services provider operating across 37 countries with over 4,000 employees. Founded in 1833, Svitzer builds on almost 200 years of experience, and our powerful tugboats and experts in towage work tirelessly to keep goods flowing, businesses thriving, and communities connected.
In the UK, our people work in a demanding, safety-critical, operational environment. Supporting them well is not optional — it’s business critical.
We’re looking for an operational, hands-on People Business Partner for a 12-month Fixed Term Contract.
Location: Remote or hybrid from one of our UK port locations (Middlesbrough, Southampton, Bristol, Gravesend, Felixstowe, Liverpool, Milford Haven or Immingham), with travel across our UK operations.
Package includes:
- up to 10% contributory pension
- Private health & dental plan
- 10% bonus
Overview
We’re looking for a commercially focused People Business Partner to step into a 12-month fixed-term role supporting operational leaders across the UK. This is a hands-on partnering role; you’ll be in the detail, driving outcomes across employee relations, change, and day-to-day HR delivery.
You’ll operate in a unionised environment, so experience with trade unions and confidence navigating complex ER landscapes is a must.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Business Partnering
- Work directly with managers and operational leaders to deliver practical people solutions
- Provide clear, pragmatic advice on workforce planning, team structure, and performance
- Support delivery of key people initiatives aligned to business priorities
- Employee Relations
- Lead on complex ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, and absence
- Engage with trade union representatives on consultations and ongoing matters
- Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant application of policies
- Support negotiations, consultations, and dispute resolution
- Change & Transformation
- Support organisational change programmes including restructures and redeployment
- Manage consultation processes in line with legal and collective agreement requirements
- Ensure change is implemented smoothly with clear communication
- Risk & Compliance
- Maintain strong governance and ensure compliance with UK employment law
- Identify, manage, and escalate people-related risks where required
What You’ll Bring
- Solid experience as a People/HR Business Partner or Senior Advisor
- Strong track record in employee relations within a unionised environment
- Working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience supporting organisational change and consultation processes
- Ability to influence, challenge, and build credibility with stakeholders
- Pragmatic mindset — you focus on solutions, not theory
What We’re Looking For
- Someone comfortable operating independently
- A steady pair of hands who can balance operational pressure with sound judgement
- Clear, direct communicator who can challenge constructively
- Organised, adaptable, and able to keep pace with a busy operational environment
This role is about delivery. If you’re strong on ER, confident with unions, and comfortable being the go-to HR partner for the business — this role may be for you.
Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
People Business Partner employer: Svitzer Americas
Contact Detail:
Svitzer Americas Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Svitzer on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Svitzer’s operations and recent news. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running as a People Business Partner.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around employee relations and union negotiations. We want you to feel confident and articulate when discussing your experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it’s super easy to track your progress from there.
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of People Business Partner. Highlight your experience in employee relations and working with trade unions, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex ER landscapes and supported organisational change.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a People Business Partner, clear communication is vital. Make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively and constructively challenge when needed.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and allows you to manage your applications easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer Americas
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Svitzer's operations and values. Understand their approach to employee relations and how they navigate union environments. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully handled complex employee relations cases or led change initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios, especially around employee relations and union negotiations. Think of potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, showcasing your pragmatic mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, current challenges in employee relations, or how Svitzer measures success in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.