Senior HR Business Partner

About the role

The Senior HR Business Partner will operate at both strategic and operational levels, partnering with senior leaders to deliver expert HR guidance within a large public‑sector organisation based in London. This temporary, full‑time role requires strong HR operational and strategic expertise.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic HR advice aligned with organisational objectives and support senior leaders.
• Lead organisational design, workforce planning, and talent management initiatives.
• Manage change, restructures and consultation processes, ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation.
• Handle complex employee‑relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and performance matters.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures in line with legal and organisational requirements.
• Build effective relationships with trade unions and lead negotiation activities.
• Analyse workforce data and HR metrics to inform strategic decisions.
• Drive improvements across people processes and champion diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver key HR projects.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a strategic HR role within the public sector or a large, complex, unionised organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex employee‑relations cases.
• Experience in workforce planning, organisational design and change management.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Recognised CIPD qualification (Level 7) or equivalent relevant HR experience.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £28.67 (PAYE) or £37.33 (Umbrella).
• Hybrid working model – minimum two days onsite.
• Opportunity to work in a large, impactful public‑sector organisation in London.
• Challenging yet rewarding role with flexibility and valuable experience.