Head of HR Business Partnering

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Overview

Our Story

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people's lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.
Why Work for Us:

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like-minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work - our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal-led, privately-owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HRBP function for Avison Young in the UK reporting to the UK HRD.
• Provide proactive and creative HR Business Partnering and initiatives to ensure that the Company and Business Group objectives are developed, supported and achieved.
• Responsible for consistent and fair management of employee relations and change management programmes across the Company to include; size and shape discussions, performance management, probationary periods, disciplinaries and grievances to minimise or advise on any risk. Provide advice and operational input into employee relations activity.
• Responsible for the overall management of the HRBP team.

• Manage within any allocated budget. Efficient running of the HRBP team, process and practices to proactively support the Company and the Business Groups in achieving their objectives, values and creating a great place to work.
• Act as a conduit between the line managers, employees and business for people issues.
• Provide the HR Director and Executive with the eyes and ears, highlighting common concerns/trends and issues across the Company and providing solutions to counter these.
• Provide HR advice to the Business in line with policies and associated legal considerations.
• Responsible for the introduction or amendments and coaching of line managers of the Company's people policies following new legislation or changes to existing legislation in line with the Companies culture and objectives.
• Making the HR director aware of any sensitive or high risk people issues in a timely manner and that the weekly trackers are completed and submitted.
• Responsible for, along with the HR Business Support Manager, the successful delivery of the annual salary review process, within the set time scales. Ensure that Business Groups have up to date market information on salaries for Director level and below.
• Responsible for delivery of all promotions up to and including Associate Directors for HR Director to authorise. Review all salary increases and promotions to make sure that they are free from prejudice and barriers.
• Working with the L&D team to plan and direct employee training and development plans to achieve the Company and individual objectives.
• Ensure that management and employee communications are open and transparent.
• Develop and maintain key peer contacts at significant competitors and like sized companies across the HR profession.
• Leading and monitoring employee engagement, producing initiatives and standards that help maintain our status as an Employer of Choice.
• Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the HR Team as a whole, whilst maintaining best in class, through looking for ways to reduce waste and eliminate unnecessary cost.

Qualifications

• Degree educated or equivalent.
• Excellent working knowledge of employment law.
• Proven ability in HR Business Partnering at team leader level, including hands-on experience of programme and project management, as well as managing multi-site HRBP teams.
• Proven experience of building trusted relationships with clients/stakeholders at all levels.
• Consultancy/advisory experience is preferable; candidates from other backgrounds will only be considered if there is demonstrable experience of working in a similar environment.
• Highly commercial, experience of setting and performing to commercial KPIs.
• Expert attention to detail and ability to meet multiple deadlines in a changing environment.
• Exceptional at working and communicating with people whatever their discipline or background with ability to demonstrate gravitas and influence.
• Extensive experience of making change happen in a meaningful and impactful way.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration.
• Using high levels of emotional intelligence demonstrating a strong ability to empathise and see things from a variety of perspectives.
• Maintaining an open-minded and curious mindset.
• Future-focused ambitious thinking which, whilst acknowledging and working within constraints, still pushes boundaries, and creates new possibilities.

Equal Opportunities

At Avison Young, we've always put people at the heart of what we do.
In the last few years, we've increased the diversity at our board, leadership and Principal levels. Avison Young stands out for our commitment to empowering women. In addition to increasing the number of women on our board and in our leadership ranks, our internal Women's Network of more than 500 members come together for networking and learning, and advise the business on strategies for promoting access, opportunity and inclusion in our industry.
Our global DEI steering committee shapes our strategy to continue to increase industry access for underrepresented groups and accelerating initiatives led by our employee resource groups, including our Women's Network, Black Professionals and LGBTQ+ groups. In addition to leading global initiatives, the steering committee's work examines our policies and practices, creating accountability for results and communicating progress to our executive leadership, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion, and well-being. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that:

• empowers all our employees to thrive,
• reflects all backgrounds and talents,
• allows individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging,
• and foster a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us at careers.uk@avisonyoung.comcareers.uk@avisonyoung.com> and we will do everything we can to help.

We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position.

Some of our roles may be remote and some roles may be specific to our offices, but you will need to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.