Closing Date
2026-04-09
Job Title:Associate HR Business Partner
Location:Durrington / Hybrid
Contract Type:Permanent
Hours:37 hours per week
Salary:from £45kper annum
About the role
As our Associate HR Business Partner,you’llbe the vital connection point between our management teams and the HR function. Reporting to the Senior HR Business Partner,you’llwork within a collaborative,forwardthinkingPeople Team that supports the entire organisation through change, growth, and continuous improvement.
You’llpartner closely with managers across one of our business areas — Waste, Water or Group Functions providing guidance, coaching and strategic insight to help drive high-performing,peoplecentricoutcomes. This is a role whereyou’llgain broad exposure, influence directly at senior levels, and contribute to shaping a positive and progressive workplace culture.
What you willbe responsible for:
A summary of the role
You’llbuild trusted relationships with leaders, partner on organisational change, and take ownership of one of our strategic Employee Relations pillars, ensuring consistent and commercial people decisions aligned with business strategy.
Key responsibilities:
1. Partner with managers below SLT level to provide guidance on people matters, organisational priorities, and People deliverables.
2. Build strong, authentic relationships across your business area, acting as the first point of contact for HR support and escalation.
3. Support complex employee relations cases and collaborate with Centres of Excellence (Reward, Talent & Development, Recruitment).
4. Deliver organisational design and restructuring projects, ensuring clear communication and effective stakeholder management.
5. Drive People Plan priorities, helping shape focus areasinline with business strategy.
6. Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of a strategic ER pillar (Employee Voice, Trade Union relationships or Employment Tribunals).
Whatyou’llbring to the role
Essential
7. Experience working in a dynamic HR Business Partnering role within a fast-paced, complex organisation.
8. Strong employment law knowledge and current understanding of HR best practice.
9. Proven experience delivering organisational change projects (including restructures and TUPE).
10. Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
11. CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) and degree-level education (or equivalent experience).
Desirable
12. Experience partnering with Trade Unions or representative groups.
13. Exposure to managingInternal Employee Representative Groupprocesses or similar engagement frameworks.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation
At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from youeven if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information:
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preemployment checks, including security vetting.
Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
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