About First Actuarial

First Actuarial has been around since 2004, when a small group of like-minded actuaries came together to bring fresh thinking to pensions consultancy. Two decades later, our strong growth path has continued year on year, and we now employ around 500 people across seven locations.

We’re still an independent business with no chargeable hour’s targets, giving our people the time to deliver their best work and excel. We shape our high-quality services by listening closely to our clients’ needs. And we price those services fairly.

As we develop our business, prospects for our people grow. Our Basingstoke, Birmingham. Leeds, Manchester, Peterborough, London and Tonbridge offices provide supportive work environments where everyone can make a difference. We enjoy work and celebrate our successes. And we provide support and helpful feedback, so we all learn and improve.

We love numbers, but we love people more. Staff wellbeing and work-life balance have always been core values. Beyond the firm, we’re known for our integrity. We’re happy to challenge conventional thinking and speak up. Our pioneering work is set to transform the lives of millions of younger people with a new type of pension.

The role

We’re now recruiting for the role of L&D / HR Business Partner

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new opportunity for a Learning and Development / HR Business Partner to join our growing team. This dual-role is ideal for someone passionate about empowering people through training while also contributing to the smooth running of HR operations.

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our training strategy, while also acting as a trusted HR consultant to staff and managers. The first 9–12 months will focus heavily on L&D, giving you the chance to make a real impact from day one.

This role will be based in Manchester or Tonbridge.

Responsibilities of the role

Learning and Development (60%)

• Identify training needs and areas for improvement by working closely with teams and managers to understand skill gaps, performance trends, and development goals.
• Design and implement training programs that are engaging, practical, and aligned with business objectives; regularly review existing plans to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
• Act as a central point of expertise for all things training—supporting colleagues in creating content, delivering sessions, and sharing best practices.
• Lead and coordinate subcommittees focused on learning and development, helping to set clear priorities, facilitate collaboration, and monitor progress on key initiatives.
• Manage the review and selection of external training providers, ensuring quality, value for money, and alignment with internal standards and expectations.
• Oversee reporting, internal communications, and budget related to training—ensuring stakeholders are informed, resources are used effectively, and progress is tracked.
• Maintain accurate development records, including training logs, CPD activities, and qualifications, to support compliance and personal development tracking.
• Keep the training and development policy up to date, ensuring it reflects current practices, supports business needs, and is clearly communicated across the organisation.

Human Resources (40%)

• Provide guidance and support to managers on HR-related matters, including employee relations, performance management, and team development.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of people initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and organisational culture.
• Support the continuous improvement of HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are aligned with best practice and business needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure consistent and fair application of HR processes across the business.
• Analyse HR data and trends to inform decision-making.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with proven experience in Learning & Development, previous exposure to wider HR operations is desirable. You should have a good understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices, along with excellent communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an environment with often competing demands is essential. You will ideally be CIPD level 5 qualified.

What we offer you

We’ll actively support you as you build your career – and reward you for doing so. At every level of seniority, we offer:

● A competitive remuneration package, including bonus and profit-sharing payments
● Private medical insurance, life insurance and income protection insurance
● 25 days annual leave as standard, increasing with length of service, an extra day at Christmas, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional holidays
● A non-contributory pension
● Full training and study support.

We have hybrid working in place for colleagues who prefer home-working for part of the week. We’re also flexible on working day arrangements and will happily accommodate a range of personal commitments from day one.

Our straightforward, interview-based approach to recruitment ensures equal opportunities for all applicants.

Please note that we can only accept candidates who have a right to work in the UK.
Apply now with covering letter and CV