HR Business Partner (Maternity Leave)

At the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) we’re looking for an HR Business Partner to cover maternity leave and join our team as we address new organisational priorities and strive to deliver exceptional services. This is a critical time in our transformation and growth journey, and you’ll be pivotal in helping us achieve our ambitions by:

• Partnering with leadersto align people strategies with organisational objectives.
• Creating innovative HR solutionsfor workforce challenges, including planning and design.
• Driving cultural and organisational changeat every level.

Our HR teamis made up ofcentres of excellence acrossOperational HR,L&D,EDI, Talent Acquisitionand Internal Communications, who work collaborativelytogether and with our internal partnersto provide HR services and consultation which underpinorganisational goals and mayoral priorities for the people of the West of England.

This is a fast-paced, high-impact role for an experienced HRBP with strategic capability and a willingness to be hands-on operationally. You will be expected to quickly build credibility and take ownership of a broad and evolving portfolio. In return, you’ll be given both the support to be successful and the autonomy to affect real change that matters.

What you’ll need to hit the ground running

• Proven experience of leading organisational restructures or service redesign
• Ability to operate confidently in ambiguity and change
• A pragmatic approach and the ability to simplify complex issues and deliver practical solutions
• Confidence to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders
• Ability to quickly build trust with Directors and senior leaders
• Strong prioritisation skills in complex, fast-moving environments
• Sound knowledge of UK employment law
• Ability to communicate complex HR processes and policies in a clear, accessible way

An understanding of HR governance and decision-making frameworks in a public sector or political environment will help you too.

This is a full time, fixed term role for 12 months to cover maternity leave.

The closing date for this role isSunday 20th September 2026. Please don’t wait to start your application as depending on the numbers of applications we may need to close the role earlier. If you’ve started your application, we’ll be able to give you notice of the new closing date by email.

About the Company

Our offer

We are based ina new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real differenceto the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days ofpaid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We followa hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success byprovidinga diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The salary for this role is £52,413 - £55,722. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time . We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk . We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply.If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.

• Contract Type Fixed Term/Full Time - 37 hours per week
• Closing Date 20 September, 2026
• Job Category HR & Organisational Development
• Business Unit Operations
• Location 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol, United Kingdom