HRBP Assistant

Senior HR People Business Partner

Location: UK- Manchester

Contract: 6 month FTC (salary pro rata)

Hours: Full time (flexible working supported)

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and influential Senior HR Business Partner to join a forward-thinking People and Organisational Development (POD) function. This is a strategic role operating at senior leadership level, where you will partner with leaders across a large, complex organisation to deliver people strategies that underpin long-term organisational success.

You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing insight, challenge and specialist expertise across the full people agenda, including workforce planning, employee relations, organisational development, change management and people analytics.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong, credible relationships with senior leaders, acting as a trusted and autonomous professional.
• Lead the development and delivery of People Plans aligned to organisational strategy, ensuring plans are reviewed, updated and deliverable.
• Analyse people data to identify trends, risks and opportunities, proactively leading the development of evidence-based interventions.
• Provide clear, insightful reporting and advice to senior leaders to support informed decision-making.
• Support and influence strategic business decisions, ensuring alignment with people strategy and organisational objectives.
• Identify and manage people-related risks, escalating where appropriate and recommending mitigation's.
• Work closely with Employee Relations specialists to commission and oversee complex case management, including high-risk and tribunal cases.
• Lead and support change programmes, ensuring statutory and consultation obligations are met.
• Collaborate with fellow Business Partners to ensure consistency of approach and continuity of service.
• Champion continuous improvement and act as an ambassador for people-focused initiatives, culture and well-being.
• Coach and develop leaders capability in people management, compliance and risk awareness.

About You

You will be a highly credible senior HR professional with the confidence and capability to operate at strategic level in a complex environment.

Essential criteria:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and persuade senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Strong analytical capability, with experience translating data into actionable insight.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing to wider strategic HR objectives.
• Demonstrable project and change management experience.
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law, HR policy and practice.
• Strong understanding of trade union and labour relations frameworks.
• Experience managing complex employee relations cases, including high-risk scenarios.
• Chartered membership of the CIPD (or equivalent).
• Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development.
• Significant experience operating as a strategic HR/People Business Partner within a large or complex organisation.

Desirable:

• Experience within higher education or similarly complex public-sector environments.
• Knowledge of sector-wide challenges and best practice.

What We Offer

• A genuinely strategic role with the opportunity to shape organisational culture and performance.
• Collaborative, values-driven working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact in a purpose-led organisation.

If you feel you would be suitable for this role please apply today, alternatively send your CV to (url removed)

INDAB