HR Business Partner in Baildon

Company Information

Switch2 is the UK’s most experienced and capable provider of smart, sustainable heat network solutions, with over 35–40 years of industry expertise. We specialise in delivering end‑to‑end services for community and district heating systems owned by local authorities, housing associations, and private developers, helping them to optimise energy performance, reduce carbon emissions, and deliver reliable, cost‑effective heat to residents. Our comprehensive service offering spans the full heat network lifecycle from design, build and metering, through to billing, operation, maintenance, and customer engagement. We support clients across the UK, managing thousands of properties and hundreds of heat networks, and harness intelligent data and innovative technology to improve energy efficiency and resident satisfaction. Switch2’s strong commitment to customer service, operational excellence and sustainability has made us a trusted partner for public and private sector organisations alike. With a dedicated team of professionals and a focus on continuous improvement, we deliver solutions that help our clients meet net‑zero goals, reduce energy costs, and enhance overall performance.

Role Purpose

Reporting directly to the CEO as HR Business Partner/Head of HR, you will work as an integral part of the HR team to provide comprehensive HR advice to the business. Liaising closely with the senior leadership team, management, and colleagues in recruitment and training, this role is crucial in supporting the delivery of people‑oriented objectives and leading our people strategy of 2026. In this role, you will serve as the direct line manager for the HR Officer and HR Admin roles, overseeing their daily tasks, offering guidance, and fostering their professional growth. Your responsibilities in this area will include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee performance through regular appraisals, feedback, and development
• Provide coaching and mentorship to support their professional growth
• Manage workload by delegating tasks and ensuring deadlines are met
• Support problem‑solving, acting as the first point of escalation for issues
• Foster collaboration and ensure alignment with HR people
• Promote wellbeing by encouraging a positive work‑life balance and engagement

You must have at least 3 years’ experience in a similar senior HR role and be fully Level 7 CIPD qualified, ideally with Chartered Member accreditation. Working closely with the CEO, you will assist with the continued development of the HR department to ensure high quality people management service delivery aligned with business requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide high quality and compliant HR support and advice to Team Leaders, Service Delivery Managers, Heads of Department and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Support the development of all managers in their people management responsibilities by providing guidance, feedback and coaching when required.
• Closely support Line Managers in the effective delivery of all People Management processes, to support employees and the success of the business.
• Liaise with other departments and managers to understand development needs and ensure alignment across the business.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including legal teams and regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance with employment law and effective resolution of disputes.
• Lead and support change management initiatives across the business, ensuring effective communication and alignment with business goals.
• Utilise HR data to inform business decisions and provide insights for improving HR practices and employee performance.
• Champion diversity and inclusion within the business, ensuring that HR practices support a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Continuously review and update HR policies and processes in line with recent employment law updates and support the effective delivery of HR strategy.
• Build and develop an HR people strategy in line with business goals to drive the business forward.
• Support the CEO with the development and communication of the company’s HR people strategy, policies and procedures to ensure the business is fully informed of HR objectives and standards.
• Work collaboratively with management of all levels within the business to fully understand relevant people management issues, ensuring sharing of information with HR Team / CEO.
• Work closely with your colleagues to deliver high quality, proactive and compliant HR guidance and solutions, which are realistic and pragmatic.
• Use extensive knowledge of current Employment Law, as well as company HR policy/process, to support the business objectives, coaching managers as appropriate.
• Contribute your knowledge, suggestions and feedback proactively day to day but also in HR and other management meetings.
• Support the CEO as required in the preparation and delivery of HR projects or other HR initiatives.
• At all times demonstrating and setting the example of Switch2 ethos, culture, and tone of voice.

Essential Skills and Experience

• CIPD qualified (Level 7) with active membership
• Minimum 3 years HR experience in a similar senior role
• Extensive experience of effective management of complex capability and long‑term absence cases
• Excellent knowledge of Employment Law, keeps up to date and able to coach colleagues or managers where required and in wider people management protocols.
• Experienced mediator, able to proactively and effectively resolve conflicts
• Excellent communicator – able to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Outstanding writing skills, particularly in the delivery of complex outcomes via letter, grievance or appeal, and in the preparation of reports.
• Influencing and persuasion skills – to appropriately guide HR decisions.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work unsupervised and self‑motivated.
• Experienced in delivering HR outcomes.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent IT skills and very comfortable working in an IT‑driven environment.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Chartered CIPD membership
• Master’s degree in human resource management
• Experience in handling employment tribunal claims
• Experience of virtual HR management
• Experience in the Call Centre and Customer Service sector
• Experience of data analysis
• Experience of FCA regulated activities

Other Personal Attributes

• Consultative in approach
• Ability to work under high pressure, resilient
• Ability to work with personnel from all levels
• Tact, and the ability to deal with difficult situations
• Commercial outlook
• Flexible working hours and willingness to travel from time to time

Hours and Environment

This is a full‑time role at 37.5 hours per week, and unless agreed otherwise, you will work usual business hours Monday to Friday. This role is primarily office‑based, with the flexible option to work in a hybrid model. Employees opting for hybrid working are expected to work in the office for a minimum of 3 days per week. Additional days in the office may be required depending on business needs, team meetings, or specific project demands. We value flexibility, so there may be occasions when the office days can be adjusted, but it is essential that employees remain available to meet the business’s requirements. Additional travel may be required.

Technology and Home Office Requirements

You will need to provide a quiet and secluded home office equipped with a broadband connection, a dedicated PC with 2 screens, and headphones.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Switch 2 Energy is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.