HR Business Partner - Maternity Cover (Ipswich, Short Sea Ports, GB)

An Engaging Opportunity: HR Business Partner (Maternity Cover) at the UK's Leading Ports Operator

This is a compelling opportunity for a seasoned HR professional to step into a crucial 12-month maternity cover role as an HR Business Partner with the UK's largest ports operator. As a company handling a significant portion of the UK's seaborne trade and a major contributor to the national economy, you'll be joining an organization with a proud history and a forward-thinking vision for transformation.

The company fosters a culture that values diversity, nurtures talent, and prioritizes safety above all else. They actively encourage internal mobility and career progression, making this a place where your contributions are recognized and your professional growth is supported.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Role: You will work directly with Regional Management teams, playing a vital role in delivering a business-aligned People Plan and HR strategy. This position offers the chance to directly influence and support business objectives through effective HR practices.
• Strategic Partnership: This role goes beyond traditional HR, requiring you to build strong working relationships with management and stakeholders. You will act as a trusted advisor and coach, empowering managers to enhance their people management capabilities.
• Comprehensive HR Experience: You'll gain hands-on experience across a broad spectrum of HR functions, including workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, change management, employee relations, and HR data analytics. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your HR skillset.
• Career Development: The company's commitment to talent development and internal movement means that successful performance in this role could open doors to future opportunities within the organization.
• Dynamic Environment: Working within a large, complex, and evolving organization offers a stimulating and challenging work environment that will push you to excel.
• Attractive Remuneration and Benefits: The organization offers a generous remuneration package, employer pension contributions, private health insurance, and other valuable benefits.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Maternity Cover: This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months. Candidates should be clear on their career aspirations and how this temporary role fits into their longer-term professional trajectory. It presents an excellent chance to gain experience with a major employer and showcase your capabilities.
• Travel Requirements: The role involves travel between Ipswich, Kings Lynn, and Lowestoft, with occasional national travel to other ports. Candidates must be comfortable and willing to undertake this travel.
• Commercial Acumen: Success in this role hinges on a strong understanding of business needs and commercial realities. You'll need to demonstrate the ability to translate HR strategies into tangible business outcomes.
• Influencing and Coaching Skills: A significant aspect of this role is coaching and influencing managers. Candidates who excel in interpersonal communication, negotiation, and influencing will thrive.
• Essential Qualifications: A degree and CIPD qualification (or equivalent experience) are essential, with a strong preference for MCIPD or a postgraduate qualification.
• Pre-employment Screening: Be prepared for pre-employment screening, including potential substance abuse screening, a medical examination, and Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, as is standard for roles within this critical infrastructure sector.

This HR Business Partner position offers a fantastic platform for an ambitious HR professional to make a tangible impact within a vital UK industry. If you are driven, commercially minded, and eager to contribute to a high-performing team, this role presents a significant opportunity for professional growth and experience.