Hr business partner

HR Business Partner role Permanent Burton on Trent, West Midlands Hybrid working available Full-time Salary up to £55,000 + Benefits

Are you an experienced HR professional with a strong background in unionised environments and CIPD accreditation? We are seeking a dedicated HR Business Partner who thrives in collaborative settings, combines operational HR expertise with strategic insight, and is motivated by driving organisational growth and employee engagement. This role is ideal for a confident, approachable individual with a proven track record in managing complex employee relations and working effectively with trade unions.

What you will be doing

In this key role, you will act as a trusted advisor to managers, supporting them across various HR functions while ensuring compliance with employment law and union agreements. You will deliver operational HR support, develop strong relationships, and contribute to strategic initiatives aligned with the business goals, with a focus on fostering a positive workplace culture and workforce development.

• Manage complex employee relations cases in line with UK employment law and ACAS guidance.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with trade unions and represent HR in union access requests.
• Support and develop HR policies, procedures, and the delivery of HR strategy across sites.
• Lead on TUPE transfers, redundancy processes, and collective bargaining negotiations.
• Analyse HR data to produce management reports on turnover, sickness absence, and other key trends.
• Coaching managers on employee relations, performance management, and engagement.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have previous experience as an HR Business Partner, particularly within unionised settings, combined with CIPD Level 5 or higher. You will possess strong knowledge of UK employment legislation, a pragmatic approach to complex employee issues, and excellent stakeholder management skills. An analytical mindset and ability to influence at all levels will set you apart.

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a similar HRBP role, preferably within a union environment.
• Working knowledge of TUPE, restructuring, redundancy, and complex ER cases.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or above.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, HRIS systems (ideally Workday & IRIS Cascade).
• Self-motivated, resilient, and able to build credibility quickly.