HR Business Partner – 9 month FTC

About the role

Oakleaf Partnership is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner on a 9‑month fixed‑term contract to support a fast‑growing, private‑equity‑backed financial services business. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders in a client‑facing division, delivering pragmatic HR solutions across the employee lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to provide commercially focused HR support aligned with business objectives.
• Build trusted relationships, coach and influence managers on a broad range of people matters.
• Lead complex employee‑relations cases, offering pragmatic, solution‑oriented advice.
• Drive performance‑management processes and support the development of high‑performing teams.
• Contribute to organisational design, talent and succession‑planning initiatives.
• Review, develop and implement HR policies and people processes.
• Participate in wider people projects, organisational change initiatives and continuous improvement across the HR function.

Required profile

• Proven HR Business Partner experience in a fast‑paced environment, preferably within financial services or another regulated sector.
• Strong employee‑relations expertise and ability to handle complex cases.
• Demonstrated capability to coach, influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders.
• Commercially minded, pragmatic approach with confidence to challenge constructively.
• Balance of strategic partnering and hands‑on delivery mindset.

Required skills

What we offer

• Salary circa £80,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working model – three days a week in the office.
• Flexible location options: Leeds, Harrogate, Hove, Midlands or London.
• Opportunity to work closely with an experienced Chief People Officer and shape the People agenda during a period of rapid growth.