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- Tasks: Partner with leaders to deliver practical HR solutions and manage 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 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, 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, and a 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
Contact Detail:
Svitzer 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 experience. We want you to feel confident and articulate when discussing your hands-on approach.
✨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
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 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 crucial. 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 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
As a clear and direct communicator, practice articulating your thoughts on how you would approach workforce planning and team structure. Think about how you can challenge constructively while maintaining strong relationships with operational leaders and trade union representatives.
✨Be Solution-Focused
Adopt a pragmatic mindset during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you would handle organisational change and consultation processes. Emphasise your ability to balance operational pressures with sound judgement, showcasing your commitment to delivering results.