HR Business Partner

The HR Business Partner is responsible for aligning HR activities with business objectives in the region by delivering a comprehensive, professional, and efficient HR service. The role provides both strategic and operational support to managers and employees, in close collaboration with the wider HR team. Responsibilities span key HR domains, including employee relations, workforce and staff cost budgeting, employment-related cost control, HR reporting, resource planning, recruitment, and the analysis, implementation, and governance of HR policies and procedures. The HR Business Partner contributes to the effective development, management, and execution of HR initiatives in line with business strategy and local regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

1. HR Business Partnering & Advisory

• Act as a trusted HR advisor to local management, providing guidance on people-related matters in compliance with Italian labour law and company policies.
• Partner with line managers to anticipate HR needs, support organisational change, and drive business performance.
• Translate Group HR strategies into effective local implementation.

2. Employee Relations & Labour Law Compliance

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions, grievances, performance issues, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure full compliance with Italian employment legislation (e.g. contracts, dismissals, working time, leave, health & safety, data privacy – GDPR).
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders where relevant (labour consultants, unions, labour authorities).
• Support collective and individual employment matters in accordance with local regulations.

3. Talent Management & Development

• Support recruitment activities in line with Italian hiring practices and internal approval processes.
• Contribute to local talent management, performance management, succession planning, and learning & development initiatives.
• Support organisational effectiveness, engagement initiatives, and internal communication actions.

4. Compensation, Benefits & Workforce Cost Management

• Support budgeting and monitoring of staff costs, headcount planning, and workforce analytics.
• Contribute to the implementation of compensation & benefits policies aligned with Group frameworks and Italian market practices.
• Support annual salary review and performance-related processes.

5. HR Processes, Projects & Reporting

• Ensure effective implementation of core HR processes (recruitment, onboarding, performance management, offboarding, policy deployment).
• Contribute to and lead local and regional HR projects.
• Ensure accuracy and reliability of HR data, reporting, and documentation in compliance with audit and legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Solid and up-to-date knowledge of Italian employment law and HR best practices.
• Minimum 5–7 years' experience in an HR generalist or HR Business Partner role, preferably in an international and fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing employee relations and advising managers on complex HR cases.
• Master's degree in human resources, Law, Economics, or a related field.
• Strong Excel and HR reporting skills.
• Experience working in multicultural and matrix organisations.
• Native Italian and fluent English (written and spoken).

Key Competencies

• Strong business acumen and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance compliance, risk management, and business needs.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Agile, resilient, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Continuous improvement mindset and high level of professionalism.
• Team-oriented with a proactive and hands-on approach.