HR Business Partner – 9‑month Fixed‑Term (Maternity Cover)

About the role

This 9‑month fixed‑term position provides maternity cover for a high‑profile, people‑focused organisation in Bristol. You will act as a trusted HR partner, delivering practical, commercially‑focused advice across the employee lifecycle in a fast‑paced environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day HR advice to managers on a wide range of people matters.
• Lead and manage employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance issues.
• Support managers with probation reviews, performance management and employee development.
• Review, update and embed HR policies and procedures in line with current legislation.
• Lead recruitment activities from resourcing requirements to successful appointment.
• Support workforce planning, talent management and succession planning.
• Oversee learning and development initiatives, including the apprenticeship programme.
• Assist with organisational change, restructuring and wider HR projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and ways of working.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers to increase confidence and capability.
• Line‑manage an HR Administrator and analyse HR data to inform business decisions.

Required profile

• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner, HR Manager or senior generalist HR role.
• Strong ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, practical and adaptable with a commercial mindset.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Required skills