HR Business Partner

Coven Heath
3 days ago
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Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What does the role look like?

Play a key role in shaping a high‑performing, people‑centred culture at Safran Actuation Systems. As a trusted HR partner, you'll work closely with leaders and employees across all levels, offering expert guidance and delivering practical, forward‑thinking solutions to real people challenges. You'll collaborate with the Senior Manager, Lead HRBP and Associate Director of HR to bring our People strategy to life-driving initiatives that enhance engagement, capability and organisational growth-while supporting HR colleagues with key projects and strategic goals.

In this role, you will be a visible and influential presence across the site and assigned Value Stream, providing full-spectrum HR generalist support. You'll build strong, proactive relationships with functional and operational leaders, ensuring seamless integration of people priorities into everyday performance. Your work will directly support our mission to attract, retain and develop top talent, champion the Safran culture, and strengthen a performance‑driven, inclusive environment where people can excel.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

  • Business Partner with designated Value Streams/Functional Leads to support the strategic people initiatives linked to the Business Plan.

  • Lead organisational transformation and change programmes, including restructuring, redundancies, variation of contracts of employment and TUPE.

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships across a broad range of stakeholders, including directors, senior managers, employees and trade union representatives.

  • Influence, coach and mentor leaders in the delivery of best people practices and encourage a culture of manager/leader responsibility and accountability.

  • Proactively lead, manage and successfully deliver complex cross functional people projects across the organisation with specific timeframes and budget management.

  • Act as a senior point of contact and subject matter expert on complex employee relations cases/initiatives, working closely with the HR team across ASUK.

  • Provide advice and support to the Shared Service team in all aspects of the employee lifecycle including recruitment, benchmarking, onboarding and induction, performance management, employee relations, learning and development, personal development, engagement, and employee wellbeing whilst collaborating with relevant functional leads for dedicated advice.

  • In conjunction with Learning and Development, deliver where appropriate coaching and training in key people management practices including employee performance and capability issues, conflict management and absence management.

  • Lead HR&ORG, PDM and any such business required meetings driving commerciality and key people focus.

  • Lead LDR discussion and effectively review talent pipelines to ensure future sustainability of talent is maintained and built into resource planning discussions.

    What will you bring to the role?

    Essential
    *Proven HRBP experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or technical industrial environment.
    *Strong background in employee relations and coaching line leaders.
    *Experience supporting a site or business unit with a mix of shop-floor and professional staff.
    *Confident working with and influencing senior stakeholders.

    Desirable:

    *Aerospace, composites, automotive, or advanced manufacturing background.
    *Experience in a growth, transformation, or Centre of Excellence environment.
    *Understanding of lean principles and how people, skills, and performance link to operational outcomes.
    *Solid understanding of organisational design, performance management, and workforce planning

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