How to become an HR Business Partner 

Author Charlotte Grimmett
september 7, 2022
A man working from a laptop on a wooden desk with a cup of team.

What is a Human Resources (HR) Business Partner? 

A HR Business Partner is a professional who provides their expertise and experience to support a business. This is usually a specific business area to partner with its leaders, providing people advice and initiatives to aid and improve business objectives.  

This involves working closely with that business to develop and deliver on HR strategies that help drive performance, growth and support business needs and commercial outcomes.  

Most importantly, a HR Business Partner’s responsibility is to understand the business’s people and communicate effectively with them. A business’s most important asset is mainly their people. 

What skills and qualifications should an HR Business Partner offer? 

One of the great things about working in HR is that you rarely need specific qualifications. They help and are nice to have, but they’re not a necessity to succeed. It will depend on the industry and organisation of course, sometimes to get the initial break you need to have a degree, but that is not always the case.  

Most businesses look for someone who’s had at least three to five years of HR generalist experience, ideally partnering closely with a practice area of specific client group and someone that is used to working closely with senior leaders. 

A qualification with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is often highly desirable, but again – not necessary. 

What soft skills does a successful HR Business Partner need? 

The most important skill an HR Business Partner can have is the ability to manage and communicate with stakeholders effectively. This includes working with all levels of the business.  

Excellent interpersonal skills are favoured for this role – attributes such as empathy, resilience and the ability to push back when needed.  

What industries typically employ HR Business Partners? 

HR Business Partners are employed across all industries, but the businesses that typically employ HRBP’s tend to be on the larger side. These usually have various client groups or sub-brands, just like The SR Group.  

These businesses are also often global with reach all across the UK, EU and Asia-Pacific (APAC) although this is not always the case. 

What’s the difference between an HR Business Partner and an HR Manager? 

Smaller companies with 100-300 employees tend to have an HR Manager rather than an HR Business Partner.  

HR Managers are often more operational, while the HR Business Partner is typically more aligned to the specific service lines to add value from a people perspective. 

What role does HR play in a modern-day business? 

HR plays a crucial role in all industries – and this is constantly growing and evolving and will change depending on business, economic and other internal and external factors. 

To be specific, the HR function gives advice and expertise to a business to support its people and commercial objectives. 

In a broader sense, HR is playing a more critical role in the strategic direction and progressiveness of a business. The function now often has a seat at the table and is involved in shaping and driving major decisions.  

What fieldwork or internships should you have if you want to be an HR Business Partner? 

This really depends on the industry, but a route is to join a reasonably sized HR team that has various verticals of HR to broaden your knowledge and expertise, while working somewhere with strong leadership. This should provide a natural opportunity to learn and progress. 

Why should young people pursue an HR Business Partner career path? 

A career in HR is becoming more respected and more in demand.  

There’s been a shift in the perception of HR over the past few years. It’s a division that was historically known as the ‘enemy’ to a people and employee driven function. Some businesses have even changed the titles of HR teams and professionals to reflect its purpose – such as people, culture or talent.  

The pandemic gave employees the power of freedom when it comes to flexibility and work-life balance, giving HR the opportunity to step forward and prove its true value as a function that has its people at its heart.  

How do I find the right HR role? 

If you’re looking to progress your career, have a look at our HR jobs. You can also contact one of our consultants who can talk you through all of our roles, give you career advice and do all they can to get you your dream role! 

HR Jobs

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HR Business Partner

Our client is a leading, global law firm looking to add an HRBP to their team. The role will join a team of HRBPs supporting the firm’s business services population (IT, legal, HR, finance, etc). It is a true generalist role requiring well-rounded HR experience, exceptional communication skills and gravitas to effectively partner with a […]
  • Salary USD140000 – USD160000 per annum + plus bonus
  • Posted 3 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Legal

HR Manager

Our client is a leading set of barristers in London, with a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and client service. They pride themselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment while upholding the highest professional standards. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead HR initiatives while providing executive-level support to the CEO. Role […]
  • Salary GBP50000 – GBP60000 per annum
  • Posted 3 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Professional services

HR Business Partner

Voor onze klant, een toonaangevend internationaal advies- en accountancybureau, zijn wij exclusief op zoek naar een HR Business Partner. In deze rol ben je verantwoordelijk voor het begeleiden van HR-processen en het adviseren van de business op zowel tactisch als operationeel niveau. Je werkt nauw samen met diverse stakeholders en draagt bij aan de verdere […]
  • Posted 4 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Legal

HR Business Partner

Voor een toonaangevend internationaal advocatenkantoor in Amsterdam zijn wij op zoek naar een gedreven en resultaatgerichte HR Advisor (HRBP). In deze rol werk je nauw samen met een multidisciplinair HR-team en rapporteer je aan de HR Director. Je bent een strategische en operationele partner voor professionals binnen de organisatie, met een focus op integratie, talentontwikkeling […]
  • Posted 4 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Technology
  • Telecommunications

Human Resources Manager – IT

Vacature: Manager HR Standplaats: Dronten Over de organisatie Onze opdrachtgever is een landelijke Internet Service Provider en onderdeel van een grotere Nederlandse onderneming. Wij staan voor veilig en betrouwbaar internet met een persoonlijke klantbenadering. Dit doen we met een klein, betrokken team van zo’n 100 collega’s vanuit de locatie Dronten. Met onze menselijke en klantgerichte […]
  • Posted 4 dagen geleden geplaatst

HR Business Partner

Voor onze klant in Rotterdam, zijn wij op zoek naar een strategische HR Business Partner. De positie Deze HR Business Partner heeft een regierol t.a.v. HR gerelateerde vraagstukken en is daarmee het eerste aanspreekput voor het LT van twee afdelingen. Als HR Business Partner heb je een leidende en proactieve rol binnen de afdelingen en […]
  • Posted 4 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Professional services

ASEAN HR Business Partner

We are delighted to be partnering with a global operations management consulting firm on a newly created ASEAN HR Business Partner opportunity to join its regional team based in Singapore. This role is integral to the firm’s continued growth across Southeast Asia, providing strategic and operational HR support to a diverse workforce across multiple markets, […]
  • Posted 5 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Legal

HR Manager – Head of Office

Our client, a major name in the legal world, known for their success and exceptional culture and people, is seeking a skilled HR lead to serve as senior HR lead (HR Manager) for their Charlotte office. Overseeing a population of 100+, this professional will bring experience working with attorneys and partners in a law firm […]
  • Salary USD135000 – USD165000 per annum + + bonus and profit share
  • Posted 5 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Financial services

HR Business Partner (SVP) – Financial Services

Our client an international financial services organization, with a highly regarded boutique set-up in the region, is looking for a Senior HR Business Partner (SVP level) to join their HR team. Reporting to the MD of HR based locally, with a dotted line to the leadership team locally, this individual will play a lead role […]
  • Salary + bonus + benefits
  • Posted 6 dagen geleden geplaatst
  • Healthcare

Senior HR Business Partner

We’re working with a fast-growing animal healthcare provider to hire a Senior HR Business Partner to work in very close collaboration with their highly regarded VP of People. This ambitious company has big growth plans in 2025, so it is an exciting time to join. The role will be based in White Plains. A love […]
  • Posted 1 week geleden geplaatst
  • Banking
  • Financial services
  • Insurance
  • Legal
  • Professional services
  • Technology
  • Telecommunications

Reward & Benefits Manager

Delighted to be working with a Bristol based firm that is looking for a Reward and Benefits Manager on a permanent basis. Reporting into the Head of People this is an ideal opportunity for a Reward professional looking for a broad compensation and benefits position in addition to some fantastic adhoc projects and programmes. Working […]
  • Salary GBP50000 – GBP70000 per annum + + benefits
  • Posted 2 weken geleden geplaatst
  • Professional services

Human Resources Business Partner

Role: HR Business Partner Location: Stamford, CT Hybrid: Predominantly remote with requirement to go into the Stamford office a few times per month Compensation range: Up to $124k base salary plus bonus Our client is a global research and advisory firm working with C-Suite Executives to help businesses reach their strategic goals. A global business, […]
  • Salary USD108000 – USD124000 per annum
  • Posted 2 weken geleden geplaatst

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