The Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Business Partner to join Smartnumbers on a 15-month maternity cover fixed-term contract, starting January 2026.
This is a standalone, high-impact role for a true senior HR generalist who is both strategic and hands-on, operating as the trusted advisor to our leadership team while leading all aspects of the people agenda. This role will report directly into the CEO and work closely with the Executive Team.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end HR function, ensuring we continue to attract, retain and develop talent while maintaining a high-performance and inclusive workplace culture. This is an opportunity to shape and deliver impactful HR initiatives across the full employee lifecycle - from recruitment and onboarding through to engagement, employee relations, performance, and organisational development, making this role ideal for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and being involved in every aspect of HR in a dynamic, fast-paced small business environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and deliver a HR strategy aligned to the organisation’s business objectives and growth plans.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing strategic guidance and practical HR support across all aspects of people management including organisational design, workforce planning and people development.
Champion a positive, collaborative, high-performance culture rooted in the organisation’s values.
Lead on change management initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and strong communication throughout.
Operational HR Management
Manage all day-to-day HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, engagement, learning and development, compensation and benefits, offboarding and employee relations.
Ensure all HR policies and processes are compliant and support the organisation’s objectives.
Provide expert advice and resolution on a range of HR issues, designing and delivering high impact solutions that meet the needs of the business to ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement across HR processes, systems and employee experience.
Support the payroll process in collaboration with the Finance Team.
Manage all compensation and benefits administration.
Talent & Development
Lead the talent acquisition strategy, ensuring the organisation attracts and retains the right skills for growth.
Implement effective performance management and development frameworks.
Support managers in coaching and developing their teams, building leadership capability across the organisation.
Identify training and development needs and oversee delivery of relevant learning programmes.
Culture & Engagement
Drive employee engagement initiatives and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout all HR practices and policies.
Represent Smartnumbers HR both internally and externally as an ambassador of our values and culture.
Data & Compliance
Use HR metrics and data insights to inform decision-making and track progress against key people objectives.
Maintain HR records, reporting and compliance with all relevant employment legislation and best practice.
Stay current with HR b