HR Business Partner

A compelling opportunity to join the growing UK arm of a global technology business as they look to further professionalise their HR offering. This will primarily be a hands-on role across the employee lifecycle for an employee population of 120 in the UK. There will be a key focus on providing guidance on ER, performance management, organisational change initiatives, and employment legislation. An onsite role - 4 days p/w in Reading, 1 day in Newbury.

Client Details

This role is working for the UK arm of a global consumer electronics and technology brand.

Description

As the HR Business Partner for this consumer technology/electronics company, reporting to the Country Manager, you will work closely with managers across the business to provide practical and professional HR advice and support, helping to drive business performance through effective people management.

This is a hands-on role that combines strategic HR partnering with operational HR responsibilities. You will act as a trusted adviser to managers, taking ownership of employee relations matters, supporting performance management, recruitment, organisational development and HR operations, while ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation and company policies.

• Partner with managers across the business to provide practical, commercially focused HR advice and support aligned with business objectives.
• Build trusted relationships with department managers to understand business needs, identify people-related challenges and develop effective HR solutions.
• Advise and coach managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management and performance issues.
• Independently manage complex employee relations cases from start to finish, ensuring fair and consistent processes in line with UK employment legislation and company policies.
• Support the management of employment disputes, settlement discussions and other sensitive HR matters, liaising with external legal advisers where required.
• Work closely with managers to address underperformance, manage probation reviews and implement appropriate performance improvement plans.
• Support performance review processes, talent management, succession planning and employee career development initiatives.
• Partner with department managers on recruitment requirements, workforce planning, employee onboarding and retention strategies.
• Develop, review and implement HR policies, procedures and best practices to support business needs and ensure legal compliance.
• Support day-to-day HR operations across the employee lifecycle, including contractual changes, employee records and offboarding.
• Identify learning and development needs and work with managers to improve employee capability and management effectiveness.
• Analyse HR data and trends, providing practical recommendations to improve employee engagement, retention and organisational effectiveness.
• Promote employee wellbeing and support initiatives that enhance employee engagement and company culture.
• Support organisational change projects, restructures and business transformation initiatives where required.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and international teams to ensure effective communication and consistent HR practices.
• Keep up to date with changes in UK employment legislation and HR best practice, ensuring relevant updates are reflected in company policies and procedures.

This is an onsite role - you will typically spend 4 days per week at the office in Reading (near Junction 11 of the M4), and one day per week at a smaller site near Newbury.

Profile

To apply for this role, your profile will closely match the following:

• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or HR Manager, or in a similar HR generalist role.
• Experience in a standalone HR role, or leading the HR function for an SME business would be highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice, with the ability to apply legislation effectively in practical situations.
• Demonstrable experience independently managing complex employee relations cases from start to finish.
• Strong experience advising and coaching managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management and performance-related matters.
• Experience leading on organisational change and business transformation initiatives.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build strong working relationships at all levels of the organisation.
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance business needs with employee experience.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems (HRIS).
• CIPD Level 5 qualification is essential; CIPD Level 7 is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience working for a technology or electronics business would potentially elevate your profile for this role.
• Experience working within an international or fast-paced commercial environment would be considered an advantage.

As this is an onsite role, you will need to be able to work from the Reading office 4 days per week, and the Newbury site once per week (on average).

Job Offer

This HR Business Partner role offers the following:

• Highly competitive salary, depending on individual experience and capability.
• Discretionary bonus: with the potential to earn up to 10,000 per year
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Pension: 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution, with a salary sacrifice scheme available.
• Private Medical Insurance - single cover.

The company offers a great working environment, values diversity, and thrives on entrepreneurial values.