Human Resources Business Partner

Job content

About Crowe

Crowe is a leading national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm with global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world, with access to more than 40,000 people in more than 150 countries and across more than 700 offices globally.

We pride ourselves on looking after our people, whether you’re working in corporate tax, statutory audit or you’re a marketing or HR specialist – at Crowe we invest in our people to help them be the best they can be.

We understand that it is often the culture and values of a firm that are most important when looking for a new workplace. That’s why, at Crowe, our people-focused culture means we value new ideas and innovation, and welcome people who are committed to making a difference by delivering excellent services to our people, clients and communities.

Purpose of the role:

This role is part of the National HR team and will provide support nationally to the firm therefore the role and client base is varied and fast paced. This role requires someone who is able to work to multiple deadlines, manage their workload efficiently and to be solution focused.

The role will be demanding and requires outstanding attention to detail, accuracy and excellent client service including professional communication, both orally and written.

The successful candidate needs to work with their own initiative whilst possessing a collaborative approach across the National People Team. To take responsibility for supporting, advising and guiding partners, managers and employees within client groups on all aspects of people management in line with the firm’s policies and procedures, employment legislation and best practice.

Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Build, nurture and maintain effective relationships with partners and senior management within the firm, being seen as a trusted advisor
• Utilise MI data such as turnover rates, sickness costs and appraisal completion to support business partnering discussions with senior stakeholders
• Support and guide partners and managers on employee-relation matters such as grievances, disciplinaries, redundancies, TUPE and dismissals
• Able to assess risks, guide on commercial decision making and identify gaps in employee relation processes.
• Help and advise partners and managers on sickness and welfare matters including those relating to disability and/or mental health
• Proactively manage persistent short-term absence and long-term absence, including communication with and referral to GP/Occupational Health and working with partners and managers to provide solutions
• To lead key projects and initiatives across the National People team such as wellbeing
• To write and develop people-related policies for Employee Handbook
• To be a key point of contact for HR-related advisory queries within your client groups
• To help, where required, on complex family friendly leave queries
• To guide, as needed, on complicated flexible working requests
• To ensure any changes in relation to payroll are passed in a timely and appropriate fashion to the HR Administration Centre
• To regularly feedback to the senior team on relevant HR-related activity within your client group
• To signpost to the appropriate members in the wider People Team when a development or recruitment need arises
• Coach and mentor less experienced members of the team
• To support on the facilitation of people-related training including Management Toolkit and present at office and/or departmental meetings
• To assist on an ad-hoc basis in the firm’s annual processes such as the firm’s salary review, bonus review and appraisals
• To give ad-hoc assistance when other team members need support such as with benefits, visas and secondments
• Provide cover for others in the Advisory team and their offices when they are absent
• Travel to the different regional offices as required

Behaviours & attributes

Client Relationships –

You establish good rapport with (internal and external) clients, provide excellent service and are responsive and accessible, building solid relationships that allow us to better understand their needs and tailor our service accordingly.

Client care & adding value –

You are committed to delivering the best possible results for our clients through taking ownership of your tasks, delivering work of high standards and demonstrating an approachable and professional manner. You continually seek to improve the service you provide to your clients.

Engaging with the big picture –

Demonstrates our core values in everything you do - attention to quality, professionalism, integrity, approachability and relationships.

Business development –

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the external marketplace and the issues our clients face in order to be able to identify opportunities to extend work with existing clients and providing services to potential new clients. Start to build networks and actively engage in developing ideas to enhance the value our clients find in our services.

Motivating & developing people –

Support new colleagues as they join the firm and help them settle into the team that you are a part of.

Leading & managing people –

With increasing experience starts to demonstrate a willingness to lead on projects and activities, or constructively challenge those who are leading and managing.

Communicating with impact –

You can express yourself clearly both face-to-face and in writing and take time to understand the environment your stakeholders operate in and adapt your approach accordingly. You seek to have a positive impact on everyone you meet.

Delivering as a team –

Demonstrates your understanding of the need to work as a team, recognising and drawing on the strengths of each individual. You encourage collegiate working and sharing of ideas to deliver the best possible service to our clients. You avoid blaming others and work as part of the team to deliver work and resolve issues.

Innovation -

Demonstrates genuine professional curiosity and problem-solving skills. The ability to think pragmatically and commercially to suggest ways to make our work more efficient and of value to our clients.

Embracing change –

Approaches new situations with an open mind, supporting the senior team in bringing about change to improve the way we do things.

Commercial Focus -

Recognises that time is a cost and adjusts behaviour accordingly.

Managing risk –

Accepts and demonstrates personal responsibility for health and safety, data protection and other compliance areas. You demonstrate the need for client confidentiality at all times.

Initiative -

Works proactively and takes initiative. You know when to ask for help and where to find it. You use opportunities to learn from others.

Career motivation -

You are committed to your personal and professional development, taking responsibility for furthering your career within the firm through seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge and hone your skills.

Resilience & tenacity -

Accepts that challenges are part of our working lives and demonstrates an ability to remain motivated and engaged through such times.

Self-management -

You plan, prioritise and prepare in advance in order to meet deadlines and work commitments efficiently. You have an enthusiastic and positive ‘can-do’ approach. You are prepared to put in extra effort to get the job completed on deadline and to the standard required.

Technical competence -

You are able to relate technical knowledge from professional study or previous experiences to current practical work situations.

Delivering quality -

You keep up to date with what is happening in your professional area to ensure standards never slip.

Sound professional judgement & decision making -

You act as an ambassador for Crowe (and your professional body) and promote ethical behaviour at all times. You maintain a high degree of professionalism in everything you go, showing resilience in challenging circumstances.

Honesty & integrity -

You take responsibility for your own actions and your own development and are truthful and honest in all your interactions with both colleagues and client, building trust by doing what you commit to. You learn from your mistakes, and take responsibility for putting them right, seeking input and guidance where necessary.

Technical skills, experience & knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of employment law
• Practical employee-relations experience including grievances, disciplinaries, redundancies and dismissals
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, coaching and influencing skills
• Demonstrable customer service skills
• Able to analyse information quickly and respond as necessary
• Professional and personally credible
• Collaborative - able to work well with a range of people
• Driven and focused approach on delivering the best possible results showing determination, resourcefulness with a sense of purpose
• An inquisitive, open-minded approach to seek out new ways to support the
• development and efficiency of the HR function
• Ethical approach to managing data. Understanding that you will be handling sensitive information about the company and its employees, therefore exercising discretion and confidentiality at all times

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years generalist HR experience at Senior Advisor level or above
• CIPD level 7
• Experience of working within professional services advantageous

Why choose Crowe?

Crowe is where talented people can realise their potential, are successful and enjoy what they do by making a positive difference to our clients, communities and each other.

Our vision is to be recognised as essential to the future success of our clients by helping them to answer tomorrow’s questions, and make smart decisions that have lasting value through the highest quality audit, tax, advisory and risk services.