At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to deliver practical HR solutions and support employee relations.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a global leader in marine services with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package including pension, health plan, and bonuses.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and be part of a team that values inclusion and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting operational teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, employee relations, and navigating unionised environments is essential.
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 in Milford Haven employer: Svitzer
Svitzer is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in a dynamic, safety-critical environment. With flexible remote or hybrid working options from various UK port locations, competitive benefits including a contributory pension and private health plan, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Svitzer fosters an atmosphere where employees can thrive and grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the marine services industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner in Milford Haven
✨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 give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Svitzer’s operations, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. Focus on common questions for People Business Partners and be ready to discuss your experience with employee relations and unions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Svitzer team!
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner in Milford Haven
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 at Svitzer.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on role. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex ER landscapes and supported organisational change.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a clear communicator, it's important to demonstrate this in your application. Use straightforward language and structure your application well to reflect your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to manage your application and keep you updated on the process. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with Svitzer's operations and the specific challenges they face in a unionised environment. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience as a People Business Partner or Senior Advisor, especially in handling complex employee relations cases. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to navigate challenging situations and deliver practical solutions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and directly. Since this role requires engaging with operational leaders and trade union representatives, being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your communication style.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Svitzer operates in a fast-paced environment, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed change and adapted to new challenges in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to keep pace with operational demands while maintaining sound judgement.
