HR Business Partner

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

As the UK's number one deep sea port, out Port Of Southampton is one of the leading cruise destinations in Europe with five busy cruise terminals, extensive Ro-Ro operations which includes the import of Tesla cars into the UK and additional bulk import/export facilities. Southampton handles exports worth £40 billion annually, including £36 billion destined for markets outside the EU. The port is at the heart of supply chains supporting manufacturers and businesses throughout Britain, including in sectors such as automotive where the Port supports 11,700 jobs in the West Midlands alone. 

We're currently looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to join our team in delivering first class HR service to a number of our business functions including Finance, Engineering, Marine and Property. The role would suit a HR generalist with experience of large multi-function sites delivery, you'll be responsible for partnering with a number of managers up to senior management level to ensure that the business remains agile and compliant in its HR policy delivery. You should have demonstrable experience of mentoring and coaching managers, and thinking independently to get the right solution. Experience of challenging individuals and thinking in an agile manner is essential with the business being fast paced and complex. 

Why should you work for ABP?
•    Have the chance to make a difference in a business critical to UK trade.
•    Work within an exciting, innovative, growing business.
•    You can thrive in an inclusive environment where every individual can be themselves and feel respected
•    Receive competitive salary and benefits package
•    Get support for training, personal development and further education
•    Benefit from support and engagement through dedicated management and leadership

Accountabilities
•    Work closely with the business to implement and deliver the HR Strategy/People Plan to include; workforce planning, talent, succession planning and change management, in order to support business objectives and drive a high performance culture. 
•    Develop strong working relationships with members of the management and supervisory teams and other relevant stakeholders in order to understand key performance and people issues. 
•    Coach, advise and challenge managers, where appropriate, on short and medium term HR issues as required in order to build their knowledge and capability. 
•    Reinforce the ownership of people management by the business and line managers and support the HR delivery model. Ensure that line managers are conversant with and consistently apply HR related company policies and procedures. 
•    Provide accurate and timely management information and data analytics to drive performance and support strategic workforce planning requirements. 
•    Partner with key stakeholders to ensure all HR projects and initiatives are appropriately communicated and effectively implemented on a regional basis. 
•    Provide operational HR Support on organisational change projects including restructures, redundancies and TUPE, driving and championing the implementation of HR solutions within the supported business area, gaining acceptance from key stakeholders. 
•    Provide full HR case management of any absence, grievance and disciplinary or other employee relations issues. 

Skills & Experience
•    Demonstrates strong business/commercial acumen and understanding of business needs. 
•    Proven experience of working in partnership and building strong working relationships with managers in a complex working environment. 
•    Passionate about customer service with ability to articulate previous achievements through business deliverables. 
•    Knowledge and experience of implementing best practice HR solutions to drive a high performance culture. 
•    Experience of coaching and influencing managers. 
•    Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence effectively with all levels of an organisation. 
•    Understands how to work with the business to identify, develop and retain talent. 
•    Excellent technical HR Knowledge 
•    Educated to degree level and CIPD qualified or relevant experience to demonstrate level of competence. 

We offer a competitive salary, contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% employee contribution with 5% company match), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays – plus the option to purchase additional days), wide range of discounts and cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with an in-house training academy which offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills. This is a 6-month Fixed Term Contract, there may be scope for extension beyond that or becoming permanent but not guaranteed at this time. 
 

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.
Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.