HR Business Partner

London, United Kingdom Posted on 15/07/2025

Freight Investor Services (FIS) is a leading global brokerage of freight and commodities. We are the world's largest broker on dry freight futures, and have a strong presence across the bulk commodities, metals, and energy markets. We were the first brokerage to trade in the cleared market on iron ore and later coking coal futures. We also maintain a strong position in broking steel futures on all exchanges, as well as fuel oil, base metals, fertilisers, and tanker freight. We are proud of our innovative ethos, having been first mover on a number of products, most recently on the cobalt and air freight futures markets. Not only do we provide excellent brokerage services, but also data services via our App, FIS Live, other data services, as well as education to help those entering new markets.

We have expanded via our network of trading associates and branch offices to offer coverage of derivative and physical shipping markets in London, New York, Houston, Dubai, Mumbai, Athens, Copenhagen, Geneva, Singapore, and Shanghai. Through our global network, FIS offers full brokerage services, trade execution, and in-depth market intelligence and data for freight and commodities, as well as providing physical ship and cargo services. Our expertise in managing credit and counterparty risk provides a vital competitive advantage while enabling clients to trade with confidence.

Job Description

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an accomplished HRBP to join a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and fast-moving brokerage environment. This newly created position will play a crucial role in delivering an excellent global HR service during an exciting period of change and growth. Partnering with support functions as well as front office client groups, this role would suit experienced candidates with a particular interest and expertise in L&D, Reward / Benefits, and Employee Relations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver operational and strategic HR to drive organizational performance through individuals; identify issues and recommend solutions
• Provide strategic support to ExCo with culture and HR Strategy initiatives: develop diverse & inclusive environment, drive engagement and insights, performance management, as well as managing culture & change
• Develop, manage, and facilitate employee learning and development programmes. Identify potential & emerging talent, talent strategy planning, and succession planning; revamp current appraisal process
• Manage and develop reward and benefits proposition including pay benchmarking, compensation cycles, scope and review of benefits providers; provide accurate and insightful analytics to management team to make informed decisions
• Advise on remuneration and compensation, keeping up to date with legislation, audits, and regulatory requirements
• Lead and advise on Employee Relations matters (including disciplinary, grievances, absence management, and performance improvement processes) to ensure appropriate actions are taken and risks are assessed; conduct investigations into allegations and complaints
• Conduct a thorough audit of current HR systems and processes, project manage the implementation of new systems, and evaluate and test process enhancements for effectiveness and seamless integration
• Project manage the rollout of employee engagement initiatives through 'pulse' surveys, effective communication, recognition programs, and feedback mechanisms
• Analyse HR data and metrics to identify trends and scope for improvements; automate and continuously improve HR processes
• Serve as a point of contact for escalated employee inquiries regarding HR policies, benefits, and other related issues, addressing employee concerns in a timely and confidential manner
• Ensure compliance with immigration and employment laws; maintain governance including GDPR and data retention
• Take ownership of key activities related to global payroll input to ensure data accuracy, collaborating with Finance
• Prepare and generate reports for management; respond to audit requests for HR information
• Support and lead on ad hoc HR projects as appropriate
• Provide coaching and mentoring to HR team
• Create and maintain procedural documentation, FAQ, tip sheets, and how-to guides for HR systems
• Responsible for SM&CR processes and documentation
• Deputise for Head of HR and fulfill additional duties as required to meet business needs

Requirements

• Demonstrate experience supporting UK HR as a true HR generalist (both operational and strategic) - essential.
• Knowledge of UK employment legislation and compliance laws including immigration; right to work, national minimum wage, 2010 Equality Act; knowledge of USA & U.A.E legislation - a plus
• Expertise in HRIS, experience of implementation of HRIS; good organisation and project management skills - essential
• Prior knowledge of designing and developing organisational structures - advantageous.
• Demonstrate experience of continually looking to optimise workflows and efficiencies - essential
• Excellent knowledge and working experience of payroll, GDPR, and international compensation/reward - essential
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive people data with discretion - essential
• Experience working in a global Financial or Professional Services SME- essential
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service focus - essential
• Excellent process, data, and systems orientation with problem-solving skills - essential
• Good verbal and written communication skills; ability to build relationships across all levels - essential
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and analytical skills - essential
• Adaptable; ability to multi-task and manage time effectively, managing expectations of stakeholders - essential
• Proactive with meticulous attention to detail - essential
• Understanding of risks related to the role and maintaining confidentiality and discretion - essential
• Adhere to governance and controls; suggest improvements - essential
• Experience conducting HR investigations and advising on complex employee relations - essential
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and manipulation - essential

Our rapidly growing business offers a dynamic environment for talented, entrepreneurial professionals to achieve results and grow their careers.

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus
• Learning & Development / CPD opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private healthcare and life assurance scheme
• Season ticket travel loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle / salary sacrifice scheme