People Business Partner

People Business Partner – UK – Hybrid preferably from either Bristol, Liverpool or Tees office

12 Months Fixed term Contract - maternity cover

Svitzer is a leading global towage and marine services provider operating across 37 countries with over 4,000 employees. Founded in 1833, Svitzer builds on almost 200 years of experience, and our powerful tugboats and experts in towage work tirelessly to keep goods flowing, businesses thriving, and communities connected.

In the UK, our people work in a demanding, safety-critical, operational environment. Supporting them well is not optional — it’s business critical.

We’re looking for an operational, hands-on People Business Partner for 12 months Fixed Term Contract to cover maternity leave

Location: Hybrid preferably from one Bristol, Liverpool or Middlesbrough.

Overview
We’re looking for a commercially focused People Business Partner to step into a 12-month fixed-term role supporting operational leaders across the UK. This is a hands-on partnering role; you’ll be in the detail, driving outcomes across employee relations, change, and day-to-day HR delivery.

You’ll operate in a unionised environment, so experience with trade unions and confidence navigating complex ER landscapes is a must.

What You’ll Be Doing

Business Partnering

• Work directly with managers and operational leaders to deliver practical people solutions

• Provide clear, pragmatic advice on workforce planning, team structure, and performance

• Support delivery of key people initiatives aligned to business priorities

Employee Relations

• Lead on complex ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, and absence

• Engage with trade union representatives on consultations and ongoing matters

• Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant application of policies

• Support negotiations, consultations, and dispute resolution

Change & Transformation

• Support organisational change programmes including restructures and redeployment

• Manage consultation processes in line with legal and collective agreement requirements

• Ensure change is implemented smoothly with clear communication

Risk & Compliance

• Maintain strong governance and ensure compliance with UK employment law

• Identify, manage, and escalate people-related risks where required

What You’ll Bring

• Solid experience as a People/HR Business Partner or Senior Advisor

• Strong track record in employee relations within a unionised environment

• Working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice

• Experience supporting organisational change and consultation processes

• Ability to influence, challenge, and build credibility with stakeholders

• Pragmatic mindset — you focus on solutions, not theory

What We’re Looking For

• Someone comfortable operating independently

• A steady pair of hands who can balance operational pressure with sound judgement

• Clear, direct communicator who can challenge constructively

• Organised, adaptable, and able to keep pace with a busy operational environment

This role is about delivery. If you’re strong on ER, confident with unions, and comfortable being the go-to HR partner for the business — this role is for you.

Basic - £50,000  t0 £60,000

up to 10% contributory pension

10% bonus 

Private health & dental plan (taxable benefit)