Sr Human Resources Business Partner

Sr. HR Business Partner

Group/Team:
Human Resources Shared Services

Reports to:

VP, Global HR Operations

Location:

On-site:
Reading & London

Employment Type:

Full-time, Salaried
Travel Requirements: 50% domestic (Reading and London); some international (Passport Required)

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 industry-renowned, highly-awarded agencies, including Opus Agency, MAS, and Verve, provide scalable, end-to-end solutions designed to drive action and impact. With a global footprint and specialised expertise, The Opus Group partners with over 70 global companies, including the world’s most influential brands.

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 take 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 organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Google Suite.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  CIPD certification or working towards it.

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…