Sr Human Resources Business Partner

The Opus Group is a purpose-built network of leading marketing agencies that deliver world-class experiential, event, and brand solutions. The Opus Group’s agencies include Opus Agency, MAS, and Verve, providing scalable, end-to-end solutions to drive action and impact.

We’re looking for a dynamic and commercially minded HR Business Partner to support our growing UK operations, primarily across Reading and London offices. This is a high-impact role that blends strategic partnership with hands-on execution, giving you the opportunity to shape the employee experience while driving business performance. As a trusted partner to leaders and teams, you’ll play a key role in aligning people strategies with business priorities. You’ll advise on a wide range of HR matters including employee relations, talent management, organisational development, and compliance, while ensuring a consistent and high-quality HR experience across the region. You’ll also bring global HR initiatives to life locally—adapting them to meet UK requirements and ensuring they are delivered in a practical, efficient, and impactful way. Alongside this, you’ll support recruitment activity, help navigate complex employee matters, and ensure adherence to UK employment legislation.

We’re looking for someone who brings strong expertise in UK employment law and HR best practices, along with experience designing and implementing compliant HR solutions. Exposure to expatriate programmes and Certificates of Sponsorship is highly desirable. This role sits within a broader US-based HR team, but with full ownership of the UK HR landscape. You’ll need to be confident working autonomously, building relationships across the business, and exercising sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. 8-10 years of proven experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner or HR Manager or in a similar role, ideally within a global organisation. Proven experience in a HR Advisory role at a Senior level. Extensive experience in building and maintaining HR policies and practices that are compliant with applicable law and/or regulation. Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and compliance requirements. Experience with UK Sponsor License and work permit processes. Demonstrated expertise in supporting visa processing and managing expatriate employees. Experience in Talent Acquisition (candidate screening, scheduling interviews). Strong persuading and influencing skills and ability to give feedback to all levels of employees/managers. High attention to detail and problem-solving skills, with a high level of integrity and ability to drive initiatives and progress. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across cultures and levels. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Excellent time and project management skills. Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities. Proficiency in HRIS systems and Google Suite.

Preferred Qualifications: CIPD certification or working towards it.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• HR Business Partnering Support - 45%: Partner with managers and employees across the region to provide strategic and practical HR guidance, aligning people practices with business objectives. Act as a trusted advisor on all HR matters, including employee relations, performance management, and workplace concerns, ensuring a consistent, fair, and legally compliant approach. Manage employee relations cases end-to-end, including grievances, disciplinaries, and investigations. Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, development, leave of absence, and offboarding. Support talent management, employee engagement, and organisational development initiatives to strengthen capability and culture. Coordinate learning and development activities that support employee growth and career progression. Drive the local implementation of global HR programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with regional needs. Contribute to cross-functional and cross-border HR projects that enhance organisational effectiveness and employee experience.
• HR Compliance and Policy Management - 45%: Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation, including right-to-work requirements, GDPR, and other statutory obligations. Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and contracts, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and global standards. Conduct audits and maintain accurate employee records to ensure ongoing compliance and data integrity. Partner with HR Operations to ensure consistent and efficient delivery of HR processes and policy application. Manage HR systems and reporting, maintaining high standards of data accuracy and continuous process improvement. Process payroll and benefits changes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition - 5%: Partner with hiring managers and the US Talent Acquisition team to define job requirements and develop recruitment strategies. Screen and interview candidates, ensuring a seamless candidate experience as needed.
• Expat Management & Immigration Processing - Less than 5%: Manage work authorization process (process visa, renewals, and sponsorships) to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws and Home Office requirements. Maintain accurate records of visa status and expiration data, proactively managing renewals. Act as the primary point of contact for expatriate employees, providing support for visa-related inquiries, documentation, and compliance. Liaison with 3rd party Expat support service providers as needed. Serve as a liaison between expatriate employees and local teams to ensure a smooth transition and integration. Provide ongoing support to expatriates throughout their assignment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

COMPETENCIES:

• Employment Law Expertise: Understanding UK employment laws, such as the Equality Act, Working Time Regulations, and GDPR.
• HR Policies and Procedures: Ability to create, implement, and maintain HR policies that comply with legal and organizational requirements.
• Recruitment and Selection: Knowledge of sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding processes tailored to UK market needs.
• Conflict Resolution: Managing grievances, disciplinary procedures, and workplace disputes effectively.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying root causes of HR issues and implementing practical solutions.
• Relationship Building: Establishing trust and credibility with employees and management.
• Diversity Awareness: Ability to recognize, understand, and respect different cultures and perspectives.
• Communication: Effectively conveying policies, addressing queries, and facilitating training.
• Coaching and Advising: Providing guidance to managers on people management practices.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze facts, data, and scenarios to make informed decisions.
• Organizational Awareness: Understanding the company’s goals, culture, and business strategy.
• Accuracy: Ability to ensure tasks are completed with precision and minimal errors.
• Proactiveness: Ability to anticipate challenges and take action before they arise.
• Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently without needing constant supervision.
• Adaptability: Responding to changing workplace needs and regulations.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Handling sensitive employee data responsibly.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

CIPD Accreditation: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification is preferred. Ongoing Professional Development: Staying updated on HR best practices and legislative changes.

What you can expect in return:

• Full time position
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Health & dental insurance options
• London Bridge office with rooftop working and social spaces
• Hybrid/remote working flexibility
• Extended Bank holiday weekends in May and August
• Christmas and New Year period office closure

Not sure if you should apply? Studies show that those identifying as under-represented individuals might have talked themselves out of applying at this point. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic team – so if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Individuals will be required to sit for the majority of the day and may be required to stand as needed. May require ability to ambulate on a level surface for periodic periods. Travel by airplane, train, taxi, car and/or other means may be required.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Duties may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.