Job Description

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

AWE is currently recruiting for a HR Business Partner to play a crucial role in driving the people agenda and operational excellence within the organisation. This role involves partnering with business leaders to provide both proactive and reactive HR support that aligns with business objectives and fosters a positive work environment.

Location: Located in Reading, with free on site parking.

Package: Starting from £46,950 - £65,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

As a HR Business Partner, your role ensures functional needs and insights are effectively relayed to the relevant HR Teams, whilst also supporting the adoption and consistent application of key HR processes—including performance management, absence management, grievance and disciplinary procedures, and other critical aspects of the employee lifecycle.

As part of your role, you will:

• Partner with functional leaders to deliver effective HR support and communicate business needs back to HR.
• Drive a high-performance culture through collaboration with senior leaders.
• Embed talent strategies, including succession planning and career development, aligned with future needs.
• Support organisational change, ensuring smooth transitions and adoption.
• Manage complex employee relations cases with fair, compliant outcomes.
• Use HR data and analytics to inform decisions and measure impact.

Who are we looking for?

We are ideally seeking an individual with a minimum of 5 years of experience in HR, with a focus on operational HR roles. You must have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and able to demonstrate high ethical standards and maintain confidentiality. Show genuine concern for the well-being of employees and take initiative and drive continuous improvement.

We do need you to have the following:

• CIPD or equivalent HR Qualification, or relevant experience.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Proficiency in HRIS and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Knowledge across HR Centres of Expertise.
• Strong influencing skills at senior levels.
• Coaching skills.

You’ll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Some reasons we think you’ll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.