HR Business Partner Job Description

The HR function is integral to operational delivery – by attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled people, we can ensure effective delivery of equipment and support to our colleagues on the front line. Developing a talented and inclusive workforce where everyone feels welcome, you’ll play a key role in driving exceptional performance and contributing to our success as an organisation.

You’ll benefit from a c.27% employer pension contribution, as well as plenty of opportunities for development, access to funded professional qualifications and specialist training including CIPD courses. You’ll also have access to a wide range of employee networks, including the Women’s Inclusive Network, Race & Culture Network, Pride Network, Disability Network – and many more. We recognise that the best people for the job may have commitments outside of work, so we’re pleased to promote flexible working to support our colleagues in balancing work and home life.

As a HR Business Partner (HRBP) you will act as the crucial link between the business and the HR Centre of Expertise’s (HR CoEs). You will be supporting and engaging senior stakeholders to develop and imbed various project initiatives relating to the DE&S 2025 People Strategy and to the delivery of business targets. This includes a focus on Culture and Inclusion, Leadership, Reward, Recognition, working in a smarter way with enhanced flexibility, ensuring we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place at the right time, and supporting people managers with key people activities.

The post holder will take the lead on small change projects and be part of projects implementing HR change across DE&S.

HRBPs will possess expert data analysis skills, producing Management Information (MI) to inform the various actions required within the business area that you support.
The post holder will offer expert advice and HR assurance to colleagues and stakeholders alike, be knowledgeable on a range of HR subjects and support the delivery of key projects and initiatives. This may include advising on a potential TUPE in or out of the organisation, engaging senior leadership to drive equality, diversity, inclusivity and wellbeing, supporting organisational design, casework and learning and development.

Building productive working relationships is paramount. You will need to build various strong, engaging and supportive relationships with key stakeholders across your business area, becoming a critical friend and trusted advisor. The work is exciting, complex and a fantastic challenge for a HR professional looking to build on their experience.

Candidates must state which location they wish to apply for in a covering letter.

Please note some attendance to the stated site may be required for this position.

We strongly recommend tailoring your CV in line with our CV guidance before applying, with specific sections to highlight Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, and Applied Skills & Knowledge.

Responsibilities of the HR Business Partner 

In this role, you will be entrusted with:
• Work strategically to deliver business outcomes, engaging and becoming a trusted advisor to Senior Leaders providing advice, coaching and overseeing workshop facilitation.
• Develop and implement interventions to enable your business area to improve against people targets derived from corporate directives.
• Utilising people analytics, insights and data to report people related information and work with colleagues to provide predictive intelligence on future trends so that action can be taken.
• Lead and co-ordinate key HR processes across their business area, which includes both Civilian and Military employees.
• Engage positively and proactively with recognised departmental trade unions colleagues and diversity network stakeholders in order to deliver on organisational priorities.
• Collaborative working across the HRBP teams and wider HR function.

What you will be assessed against

To be successful with your application you must demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:
• Previous experience in a Business Partner capacity
• Proven extensive Stakeholder experience including influencing, liaising and presenting information to senior stakeholders
• Evidence of coaching and developing others
• Evidence of proven extensive experience in building and maintaining relationships
• Evidence of project delivery resulting in business change and tangible outputs”
It will also benefit your application if you are able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:
• Associate or Chartered CIPD Member. Intermediate (level 5) or Advanced (level 7) HR qualifications or equivalent experience.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competencies and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
• Employee Relations
• Business Facing HR
• Seeing the big picture
• Communicating and influencing

What’s in it for you?

Please note, our salary bands are under review and may increase. If the outcome of the review results in an increase in the minimum salary and your salary offer falls below the new minimum, your salary will be increased to the new amount from your contracted start date. If the new minimum is less than the salary you are offered, the original salary offer will be retained.

Our careers offer stability, training, progression – and much more! Discover more about what we offer in our Little Book of Big Benefits. Find out more about our pension schemes.

We’re exploring future ways of working with a flexible and a family-friendly approach in mind. This means that successful candidates may be offered the option of hybrid working, combining working at home with working at their contractual location. Further information relevant to hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post, to find a balance that suits your needs and those of the organisation. Please note that employees are responsible for meeting the cost of their travel to and from work when attending site.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a great place to work that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. To help us do this, we particularly encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, disabled people and people from LGBT communities. By bringing together different ideas, experiences and perspectives, we can achieve our ambitions, together.

Please click the link below to apply by creating an account and uploading your details.

Please click the link below to apply for the HR Business Partner role by creating an account and upload your details.