People Business Partner – 12-Month Fixed Term Contract

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is a global membership organisation with over 100,000 members and more than two centuries of history. As a centre of engineering excellence, we qualify civil engineers, support lifelong professional development, and assure society that the infrastructure shaping our world is safe, sustainable, and well-designed.

Our community of experts also provides trusted, impartial advice to policymakers on how to build and adapt infrastructure for a better future.

The Role

The ICE is seeking an experienced People Business Partner with knowledge of Payroll to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Partnering our Membership Division, this is a fantastic opportunity to influence organisational culture, support professional growth, and help shape the future of civil engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with managers to align people strategies with business goals.
• Lead and support People Team initiatives that build organisational capability.
• Line manage the People Administrator, coaching them and supporting their development through the annual PDR cycle.
• Deliver behavioural-based learning programmes and advise on development pathways.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, performance, and policy.
• Manage recruitment up to Head of Department level in collaboration with Talent Acquisition.
• Work with the People Administrator and People Director to provide oversight of the ICE monthly payroll process.
• Analyse people data to inform decision-making and improve retention.
• Coach and guide People Administrator on providing advice to line managers and employees.
• Contribute to succession planning, internal communications, and employee engagement.

About You:

• Proven experience in a generalist HR role with a strong Payroll focus.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and project management capabilities.
• Confidence to challenge and influence at all levels.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and best practice.
• Experience with job evaluation and salary benchmarking software (ideally Korn Ferry / Hay).

Qualifications:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent professional qualification.

ICE Group benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Shutdown over Christmas period
• Annual £100 allowance towards your well-being
• Discounted hot food from on-site Café bar
• Up to eight percent of salary contributed to a personal pension scheme
• 24-hour employee support line
• Death in service benefit equivalent to one year’s salary
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Big Gym membership savings with the Gymflex scheme