The role of HR business partner is fast becoming a popular aspiration for those enjoying a career in human resources. But what does the position actually involve and how easy is it to take on the mantle?
To find out we spoke to Michael Lafferty, who operates as an HR business partner across the UK.
First of all, is it possible to describe your job and its function?
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“Well, I don’t think there’s a set-in-stone definition but essentially I work with the senior management of several companies to develop cost-effective strategies that empower their people and boost their business goals.
“I report directly to the business and this drives greater accountability for overall performance. It’s a much more proactive and, for me, engaging form of HR.”
So, where did the idea begin?
“It wasn’t that long ago if you asked any HR business partner about their job, they’d nearly always namecheck Dave Ulrich and his book HR Champions,” says Michael. “It’s true he probably kickstarted the whole notion of partnering but I think we’ve moved on a long way since then.
“We still recognise key elements of the HR profession: championing employees and being agents of change and the like. But today, so long as you focus on marrying a company’s goals with the needs and development of its staff, there’s more scope to think independently and act organically. There has to be as this is very much a strategic role and involves coming up with solutions to any problems a business might face.”
For Michael this means travelling the length and breadth of the UK to work with his portfolio of clients.
“There are a lot of miles covered most months but it’s really important I can be in face-to-face meetings as much as possible. It’s also vital I get a firm handle on the business and an understanding of its people in order to build up a good relationship.
“With trains, planes and overnight stays in hotels, I do feel like Alan Partridge quite a lot of the time,” he laughs.
Are there particular skills that are needed?
“Communication is the obvious number one talent: being in the people business it’s vital you can understand and be understood.
“I’d also say you need to be able to think and act independently. As a business partner, you’re looking way beyond the normal HR functions and processes to get a more objective, detailed and encompassing understanding of all facets of an organisation.
“I often become involved in quite thorny business challenges, so I also need to build up a strong knowledge of the sector in which the company is operating.”
So, what does the future hold for an HR business partner at the top of their game?
“I’m not sure I’m quite there yet myself,” laughs Michael, “but a natural career path could take someone all the way to HR Director . . . or even company CEO.”
If you’d like to explore the possibilities of a career in HR or Recruitment, take a look at the latest positions on s1jobs. You could be the perfect partner for a top role.