Make your mark at BRE Help BRE make buildings safer and more sustainable BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century we have provided government and industry with cutting-edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science-led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world. We are looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to provide maternity cover for 12 months. This role will support both the HR services and partnering teams, working closely with business leaders to deliver key people initiatives. Key Responsibilities: Partner with business leaders to implement people strategies, drive engagement, and support organisational change. Manage employee relations (ER) cases, including disciplinary processes, grievances, absence management, and performance issues. Lead and coordinate the company’s wellbeing initiatives, including occupational health referrals and health surveillance programs. Track and report on key HR metrics, including absence rates, sick pay, and ER case trends, to support data-driven decision-making. Maintain and update HR policies, ensuring compliance and alignment with business needs. Support HR project work, contributing to key people initiatives across the organisation. Experience & Knowledge: Proven experience in an HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, or Senior HR Advisor (with experience in business partnering) role. Strong background in employee relations case management, including handling disciplinary matters, grievances, and absence management. Experience leading wellbeing initiatives and managing occupational health referrals. Understanding of HR policies, employment legislation, and best practices with experience in policy writing and updating, note taking and documentation. Proficiency in HR reporting, including tracking absence rates, sick pay, and ER case trends. Experience working in a hybrid environment, supporting both remote and in-office teams. Skills & Attributes: Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to partner with business leaders and stakeholders. Strong business acumen, with the ability to translate our business people needs into strong business cases. Ability to work autonomously, making HR decisions while escalating where necessary. Excellent attention to detail, particularly in policy development and HR data reporting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for reporting and documentation. Desirable: CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent). Experience in change management, supporting business transformation and workforce planning. Background in professional business services or a similar structured environment. BRE Benefits At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, wellbeing, and career development. Financial & Security Benefits Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution Life assurance – 4x your basic salary Enhanced maternity package Health & Wellbeing HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points Career Development Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform Professional membership reimbursement For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits Work Location Options Hybrid – This role offers a mix of home and office working. You will need to be within commuting distance of our Watford office, as you will be expected to attend in person once or twice per month. Our Recruitment Process Online Assessment Shortly after you apply (within approximately 10 minutes), you’ll receive a link to complete an online assessment. This takes around 15 minutes and helps us better understand your skills and suitability. Candidate Review – Week Commencing 24th March Our specialist hiring team will review all applications and shortlist candidates. We’ll then update you on the outcome of your application. First Stage Interviews – 26th March to 11th April If shortlisted, we will invite you to a virtual interview. Second Stage Interviews – 15th to 29th April If successful in the first stage, you will be invited to a virtual second-stage interview. Note to Employment Agencies At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means. Equal Opportunities Statement BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics. LI-LP1