HR Business Partner – AR

Job Description

Job Title: HR Business Partner
Department: Human Resources
Location: Merton Civic Centre
Reports to: People, Strategy and Innovation Manager

Purpose of the Role

The HR Business Partner is a senior, strategic role responsible for aligning people strategy with organisational objectives. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, the post-holder will lead workforce planning, organisational change, employee relations and performance management initiatives to drive service improvement, workforce capability and a positive organisational culture.

The role supports designated Directorates and works collaboratively across HR to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused people service.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with senior leaders to develop and deliver workforce strategies aligned to corporate priorities.
• Lead workforce planning, organisational design and capability development initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on complex people matters and organisational risk.

Organisational Development & Change

• Lead and support restructuring, transformation and cultural change programmes.
• Design and implement talent management and succession planning frameworks.
• Support leadership development and organisational effectiveness initiatives.

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Manage complex employee relations cases through to resolution.
• Advise on disciplinaries, grievances, performance and capability matters.
• Represent the organisation at formal hearings and Employment Tribunals where required.

Performance & Talent Management

• Support implementation of performance management frameworks.
• Develop approaches to improve engagement, accountability and high performance.

Policy & Compliance

• Develop and review HR policies in line with employment legislation and best practice.
• Ensure consistent, fair and legally compliant application of HR procedures.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Promote inclusive practices across all HR processes.
• Analyse workforce data to identify trends and recommend improvements.

Data & Reporting

• Analyse people metrics to provide insight and inform decision-making.
• Prepare reports and briefings for senior leadership.

Person Specification (Summary)

Essential:

• MCIPD qualified or equivalent experience.
• Extensive HR Business Partnering experience, ideally within the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and employee relations.
• Proven experience leading organisational change.
• Excellent influencing, analytical and communication skills.