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- Tasks: Partner with leaders to shape people strategy and lead a capable HR team.
- 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 bonus.
- Other info: Remote or hybrid work options available across various UK port locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting a diverse workforce.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior HRBP with strong employee relations and UK employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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 Senior People Business Partner for 12 months maternity cover. Start 1st July 2026 until 30th June 2027. You’ll be operating at senior stakeholder level, influencing decisions, leading a capable HR team, and navigating a complex, unionised environment where credibility and judgement matter. 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
The Role:
- Partner with senior leaders to shape and deliver people strategy
- Lead on industrial and employee relations, including union engagement
- Drive organisational change, restructures, and transformation
- Lead and develop a small, capable HR team
- Own risk, compliance, and governance across people matters
What Matters:
- Strong, hands-on ER and UK employment law experience
- Proven ability to influence decisions at senior level
- Experience operating in complex, unionised or regulated environments
- Commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience operating as a Senior HRBP in an operational environment
- Strong track record influencing senior stakeholders and shaping decisions
- Deep, hands-on experience in employee relations and UK employment law
- Experience in unionised and/or regulated environments
- Practical experience of tribunals, redundancies, and consultation processes
- CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience)
What Sets You Apart:
- Confident operator—you challenge constructively and hold your ground
- Pragmatic—you focus on outcomes, not theory
- Resilient—you stay effective under pressure
- Sound judgement—you make the right call, even when it’s not the easy one
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. 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!
Senior People Business Partner in Bristol employer: Svitzer
Contact Detail:
Svitzer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Business Partner in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Svitzer or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Svitzer’s operations, values, and recent news. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced decisions and navigated complex environments. We want to see your practical skills in action!
✨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 the Svitzer team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Business Partner in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your hands-on experience in employee relations and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior People Business Partner role. Share your passion for people strategy and how your background aligns with our operational environment, especially in unionised settings.
Showcase Your Judgement Skills: In your application, give examples of situations where you've had to make tough decisions or challenge the status quo. We want to see your sound judgement in action, especially in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and employee relations. Given the role's focus on influencing senior stakeholders, be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex situations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading a small HR team, think of examples that highlight your leadership style. Be ready to share how you've developed team members or managed conflicts within a team setting.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Svitzer’s operations and the marine services industry. Knowing how HR strategies align with business priorities will help you demonstrate your commercial judgement during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling union engagement and organisational change. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your pragmatic approach and sound judgement in challenging situations.