HR Business Partner

2d2 days ago

Kao Corporation

London, GB · Full-time · £55,000 – £75,000

About this role

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao creates high-quality products that deliver a Kirei Life while respecting consumers and the planet. The company has been recognised among the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years and follows the Kao Way of acting with integrity and driving innovation.

The HCD Business Partner serves as a trusted advisor who delivers business goals through people. The role partners with leaders across SCM, Manufacturing, R&D, IT and Legal functions in the UK to attract, develop and retain diverse talent in both blue- and white-collar environments.

Day-to-day work includes coaching line managers on employee relations, performance management and UK employment law. The partner executes HCD initiatives, manages annual pay and bonus cycles, controls headcount and personnel costs, and maintains accurate HRIS data to provide fact-based recommendations.

As a change agent within the wider EMEA HCD team, the role guides organisational transformation, identifies capability gaps and builds local training plans. This enables leaders to hold quality career conversations that support talent growth and retention.

Requirements

HR expertise to identify issues and provide tactical advice that supports business goals.
Knowledge of UK employment law and ability to apply it alongside company policy and Kao culture.
Experience working with both blue- and white-collar workforces and understanding varying business perspectives.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate employee data within an HRIS system and using data for analysis and recommendations.
Ability to coach line managers on performance management, employee relations and people-management capability.
Skill in managing pay, grade and benefits structures with attention to internal and external equity.

Responsibilities

Act as HR Business Partner for Kao Function Groups including SCM, Manufacturing, R&D, IT and Legal in the UK.
Deliver the HCD EMEA Strategy within the client group in line with business objectives and provide tactical HR advice.
Advise and coach line managers on employee relations, performance management, policies and practical resolutions aligned with UK employment law and Kao culture.
Coach and develop line managers to increase their capability in people-management matters.
Manage and execute all HCD initiatives, career development, succession planning and talent management within the client group.
Partner with leaders on organisational redesign from proposal through execution while ensuring legislative compliance and identifying efficiency opportunities.
Control headcount and personnel costs and partner with the business on future workforce planning.
Manage the annual pay review and bonus cycle, maintain HRIS data accuracy and analyse data to recommend actions on turnover, time-to-fill and other metrics.