Job Description

HR People Partner - Breen & Associates

Salary:

35,000 - 40,000 FTE per annum (plus pension & benefits, dependent on experience).

Hours

: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:30.

Location

: The Residence Coworking, New Mead Barn, Wickham Hall, Hadham Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 1JG.

Is this you?

Are you the kind of HR professional who believes people are the heartbeat of every great business?

Do you think HR should be less about process and more about people, purpose and progress?

And most importantly, do you live by those principles, not just talk about them?

If so, you might already think a bit like us.

At Breen & Associates - Results Through People, we're on a mission to make HR more human. We work with small businesses and SMEs who genuinely care about getting HR right, building happier workplaces, stronger cultures and better results.

We don't hide behind policies or tick boxes. We're trusted, independent and not afraid to challenge the way things have always been done. We bring creativity, courage and heart to everything we do.

If you're an HR professional who wants to make a genuine difference and help shape how small businesses experience HR, this could be your perfect next step.

You'll be mentored by two of the best in the HR and People Development industry, gaining invaluable experience across a wide range of clients and projects while helping us grow a business that's doing things differently.

We're looking for an HR People Partner (CIPD Level 7) who enjoys the buzz of variety, thrives on meaningful relationships and is excited to grow alongside a business that's redefining what great HR looks like.

If that sounds like you, keep reading - and don't miss the challenge question at the end of this job description. It's your chance to show us what makes you stand out. (Skip it, and we won't be able to progress your application!)

Find out more about us at www.breenassociates.co.uk

Are you the kind of HR professional who believes people are the heartbeat of every great business? Do you think HR should be less about process and more about people, purpose, and progress?

At Breen & Associates - Results Through People, we're on a mission to make HR more human. We work with small businesses and SMEs who want to get HR right, building happier workplaces, stronger cultures, and better results.

We don't hide behind policies or play it safe. We're creative, courageous, and not afraid to challenge the way things have always been done. If you're an HR professional who wants to make a genuine difference and help us keep transforming how small businesses experience HR, this could be your perfect next step.

We're looking for an HR People Partner (CIPD Level 7) who loves variety, thrives on meaningful relationships, and wants to grow with a business that's doing things differently.

If that sounds like you, keep reading. There's a

challenge question at the end of this job

description

,

it's your chance to show us what makes you stand out. (Miss it, and we won't be able to progress your application!)

Find out more about who we are at www.breenassociates.co.uk

About Us

What started at the kitchen table just a few years ago has grown into an award-winning consultancy that small businesses and SMEs love to work with. We provide HR services, training, coaching, and people development solutions across Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Bucks, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Wilstshire, London and beyond.

We're not your average HR consultancy. We're passionate about people, bold in our thinking, and committed to delivering results through people. That's why we've been recognised with multiple awards including Best HR & People Development business 2025, Best HR and People Training business 2025, Best HR & People Development Consultancy 2024, and why our clients stay with us.

Breen & Associates is an emerging HR and People Development consultancy making a big impact for small businesses across the UK. We're on an exciting growth journey, partnering with small businesses and SMEs to help them navigate HR challenges, nurture their people, and create workplaces where everyone can perform at their best.

We work with a network of trusted Associates across the UK, delivering tailored HR Business Partnering and HR Operational services. As we continue to grow, we've established our base at The Residence in Bishop's Stortford, where this role will be based two days per week, with the remaining three days working from home or on-site with clients.

Now, we're growing fast. And we're looking for an HR People Partner who is just as passionate about helping small businesses and SMEs thrive as we are. Someone who is excited about joining a consultancy that dares to be different and has fun while doing serious work.

The Role

We're looking for an exceptional

HR People Partner

to be the heartbeat of our clients' people experience and to play a key part in helping our business grow. This isn't your typical HR role. It's for someone who genuinely loves people, enjoys variety, and wants to make a real difference to small businesses and the people who power them.

You'll be the person our clients turn to when they need advice, reassurance, or a fresh perspective. Some days you'll be drafting contracts, updating Breathe HR, or untangling a tricky employee issue. Other days you'll be helping shape a people strategy, supporting a restructure, or running a workshop that leaves everyone feeling inspired and capable.

You'll also get involved in the exciting bit, helping us grow. You'll chat with potential new clients, walk them through what we do, and share the brilliant experiences and results our current clients have had. You'll love connecting with people and helping them see how working with us makes their lives easier and their businesses stronger.

This role's perfect for someone who's naturally curious, down to earth, and not afraid to roll up their sleeves. You'll balance the practical with the strategic, the people first with the business focused. You'll spot opportunities to make HR more human, more effective, and more impactful and you'll take real pride in doing the right thing for people and businesses alike.

If you love variety, thrive on meaningful relationships, and want to be part of something genuinely different, this might just be your perfect next step.

Key ResponsibilitiesPartnership & People Support (Primary Focus)

Build trusted, lasting relationships with small business owners, managers, and directors becoming their go to HR partner for practical advice and people solutions. Create a warm, approachable partnership experience where clients feel supported, understood, and confident in your guidance. Anticipate client needs and take initiative to improve processes, systems, and solutions before they're asked for. Provide clear, down-to-earth HR advice that helps businesses stay compliant with UK employment law while treating people fairly and respectfully. Support clients with employee relations matters including disciplinaries, grievances, performance issues, and absence management with empathy and professionalism. Draft letters, update HR documents, and maintain HR systems such as BreatheHR, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Help small businesses build better workplaces by spotting opportunities to make HR more human, effective, and aligned with their goals. Champion Breen & Associates' values -- trusted, independent, impartial, creative, and courageous in every client interaction and implement our 3 Cs - Calm, Clarity and Confidence.

Projects & Strategy

Support and lead HR projects such as restructures, redundancies, onboarding, HRIS implementation and training. Work with business owners and leadership teams on annual succession plans and people strategy. Help shape HR frameworks and best practices that align with each client's business goals and culture. Contribute ideas that make HR simpler, smarter, and more impactful for small businesses.

Training & Development

Deliver engaging workshops and training sessions on HR, people development, and employment law both virtually and face-to-face. Support the development of learning materials and toolkits for managers and business leaders. Champion a culture of continuous learning and development across our clients' businesses.

Growth & Relationship Building

Play an active role in helping grow our business talking to potential new clients, explaining what we do, and sharing the exceptional experiences of those we already support. Help strengthen our presence through networking, events, and authentic relationship building. Spot opportunities to add value and deepen relationships with clients.

Operations & Administration

Manage day-to-day HR administration, drafting contracts, updating systems, and maintaining accurate records. Support internal HR processes, documentation, and templates to ensure everything stays organised and compliant. Contribute ideas to improve how we work, keeping things efficient, personal, and professional.

What We're Looking ForEssential Experience

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management (or equivalent) or working towards completion. Chartered Membership of the CIPD (Chartered MCIPD or FCIPD). Proven ability to operate strategically and provide expert guidance on complex HR and employment law matters. Strong understanding of organisational development, employee relations, and HR best practice within a UK employment law framework. Proven experience in an HR generalist, advisor, or business partner role ideally supporting small businesses or SMEs. Strong understanding of UK employment law, HR best practice, and people management principles. Confident in handling employee relations from disciplinaries and grievances to absence and performance management. Skilled in drafting contracts, policies, and letters, and experienced with HR systems such as BreatheHR. Comfortable facilitating HR workshops, training sessions, or people development programme. Able to juggle multiple clients and priorities while maintaining quality and care in every interaction. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to translate HR speak into plain English that people actually understand. A proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, growing consultancy environment.

HR & People Partnering Skills We Value

Exceptional relationship-building - you genuinely enjoy connecting with people and building trust. Ability to balance day-to-day HR work with a strategic, forward-thinking mindset Confidence in advising business owners and leaders with clarity, empathy, and professionalism. Strong problem-solving skills - you can think on your feet and find creative, compliant solutions. Natural curiosity and the confidence to ask great questions that get to the heart of an issue. Skilled at simplifying complexity and helping clients see both the people and business impact. Commercial awareness - understanding how great HR supports business performance and growth.

Personal Qualities

Genuinely people-focused - you care deeply about doing the right thing for people and businesses alike. Down-to-earth communicator - you make HR human, approachable, and easy to understand. Emotionally intelligent - you read situations well and adapt your style accordingly Proactive and resourceful you don't wait to be asked; you see what needs doing and make it happen. Organised and detail oriented - you keep the small stuff on track so the big stuff can shine. Curious and committed to learning - always looking for better ways to support clients and grow personally. Warm and professional - you represent Breen & Associates with authenticity and care. Collaborative and courageous - you're not afraid to challenge, innovate, and think differently.

Success in This Role Looks Like

Clients describe Breen & Associates as their trusted HR partner- reliable, approachable, and genuinely invested in their success. You've built strong, lasting relationships where business owners see you as part of their inner circle. Clients feel reassured, confident, and empowered after every conversation with you HR processes, systems, and advice run smoothly and clients feel the impact of your support in real business results. You've helped small businesses and SMEs become fairer, more inclusive, and more compliant workplaces. You've played an active role in helping Breen & Associates grow through new client relationships and positive word of mouth. You've contributed ideas, energy, and heart to the business helping make HR more human, practical, and impactful every day.

What You'll Get

The chance to work with a fast-growing, award-winning consultancy at a really exciting stage of our journey. A varied and challenging role where no two days are ever the same. Flexibility - we trust our people and support hybrid working. Ongoing professional development and CIPD support. The opportunity to shape how we grow - your ideas will matter. A supportive, creative, and passionate culture (plus Barney, our Chief Happiness Officer - a very cute Labrador).

What We Offer

A competitive salary of 35,000 - 40,000, depending on experience. A company pension scheme. 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays. Free parking. A beautiful countryside workspace that feels a world away from the corporate grind. Professional development opportunities to help you grow and progress. The chance to shape and deliver meaningful HR projects that make a real difference. Autonomy and trust to bring your ideas to life. Be mentored by two of the best in the HR and People Development industry. Barista-style coffee and endless cups of tea & cake to keep you fuelled and happy. A genuinely supportive, collaborative environment where people matter. Be part of a business that helps others achieve better work-life balance and actually lives by it.

Why Join Us Now?

Because you'll be part of something special. We're on a mission to change the way small businesses see and experience HR, making it less about policies and paperwork, and more about people, performance, and possibilities.

If you want to grow your career, make an impact, and have fun along the way, then Breen & Associates could be the place for you.

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

If you're passionate about helping small businesses and SMEs thrive, love connecting with people, and want to play a key part in shaping how businesses look after their people, we'd love to hear from you.

To Apply:

Send your CV and a short cover letter to joanna@breenassociates.co.uktelling us why this role feels like a great fit for you. We'd also love to hear about a time you made a real difference to a business or individual through your HR or people work, big or small, it all counts.

Your Challenge:

If you could design your dream client partnership, what would it look like? How would you make HR feel more human, and what kind of impact would you want to have?

Breen & Associates is an equal opportunities employer, committed to championing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB), creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Education:

Master's (required)
Experience:

Human resources: 10 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Chartered CIPD (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Bishop's Stortford CM23 1JG (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bishop's Stortford CM23 1JG