Human Resources Business Partner

Summary:

Are you a proactive HR enthusiast looking to grow your career within a meaningful sector? Are you ready to play a key part in delivering the people strategy for an essential service provider?

At South East Water, we're looking for a Human Resources Business Partner to join our HR department. This isn't just a support role; it's an opportunity to act as a trusted advisor and the primary point of contact for managers across the employee lifecycle. Whether you're an experienced professional looking for a better work-life balance, or a rising talent ready to dive into meaningful, hands‑on projects, this role offers the independence and variety you've been searching for.

You'll be at the heart of our operations, supporting the delivery of our People Plan and working alongside senior managers on meaningful change initiatives. You will work closely with specialists in Recruitment, Reward, and Organisational Development to implement everything from workforce planning to talent management, ensuring our people‑related solutions are innovative and flexible.

This is a hybrid opportunity, working 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.

• Leading on delivering the overarching strategic initiatives of the People Plan across relevant business areas. Being the primary contact for managers, overseeing all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
• Delivering key HR initiatives across the HR spectrum, including workforce planning, restructuring, resourcing, talent management, pay and reward, employee relations, employee engagement and performance management. Directly influences, advises and supports senior managers in the implementation of complex change initiatives.
• Supporting the development and implementation of SEW pay and reward strategy e.g. assisting with the pay negotiations, salary benchmarking, the annual performance review and bonus allocation process.
• As a trusted business partner, proactively cultivate strong and trusted working relationships with teams, managers and key stakeholders across the organisation, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes effective and positive change. Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counselling, career development, disciplinary actions).
• Identifies training needs within business units and engages with Organisational Development teams to deliver appropriate programmes. Participates in the evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure their effectiveness. Ensures that training objectives are met and return on investment (ROI) achieved. Provides support for Organizational Development (OD) initiatives, including succession planning and annual appraisal.
• Conducts thorough analysis of HR trends and metrics to identify potential issues, and develop tailored solutions, programs, and policies to align with the needs of the business. Takes responsibility for meeting all Directorate reporting obligations by delivering comprehensive and precise HR management information.
• Promotes best practice ways of working across HR policies and facilitates the resolution of people related conflicts and issues. As required, provide coaching to various stakeholders within the organisation to enhance skills and capabilities in all people-related activities.
• Actively participates and contributes to monthly Directorate meetings and senior management meetings. Proactively identifies and addresses any people-related concerns, collaborating with senior managers to develop effective solutions that align with the overall business strategy.
• Performing any other reasonable duties as directed by line management.

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent.
• Problem solving and analytical capability.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and people management skills.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Tenacity and patience.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Commercial awareness.
• Coaching skills.
• Strong team player.
• Strong organisational skills and able to manage multiple projects/relationships.
• Proven ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of grasping issues quickly and…