HR Business Partner - 18 month FTC

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations. Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary. What will you be doing? We’re seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to join our HR Team in London on an initial 18 month fixed term contract. Acting as an HR Business Partner for our Mergers and Acquisitions - Integrations team, you will provide commercially focused and pragmatic solutions for all employment related matters, whilst supporting the effective implementation of M&A initiatives and business transformation projects. If you are a HR Business Partner who has strong experience in stakeholder management, change management and employment law, please apply for more information. As HR Business Partner, your responsibilities will include among others: Drive the people strategy for M&A by collaborating closely with stakeholders to influence planning, integration, and organisational design. Lead change management and transformation activities, ensuring smooth delivery of acquisitions while minimising employee relations risks. Provide commercially focused HR support, coaching managers on ER matters and delivering flexible, solutions‑oriented guidance. Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment and onboarding, partnering with Finance to manage headcount and compensation reviews effectively. Develop and implement HR policies and processes, deliver insightful management information, and solve complex change challenges with a forward‑thinking approach. To be successful in this role, you should have: Deep knowledge of UK employment law with proven experience resolving complex people issues and supporting M&A/integration activity. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess organisational risks and opportunities. Able to work at pace, delivering to personal and team targets with resilience and confidence. Highly credible and articulate, with excellent written, verbal, and influencing skills adaptable to varied audiences. Strong analytical capability with the gravitas to build trust and guide senior stakeholders effectively. Professional Qualifications and Education CIPD Qualified, or equivalent level 5-7 qualification. As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include Competitive salary Private medical insurance Life assurance Pension contribution Hybrid working model (role dependent) Generous holiday package Option to purchase additional holiday Shared parental leave Fully funded training towards professional qualifications Cycle to work scheme Season ticket loan Eye care support We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.