People Partner - Maternity Cover

This is a temporary, full-time position (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday) for up to 10 months, starting in June 2026. The role provides an opportunity to support the team during a period of maternity leave.

It is a hybrid position, with a preference for attending the office at least 2 days per week where possible. Remote applications will be considered; however, occasional travel to both the London and Penrith offices will be required.

ABOUT THE ROLE

To provide professional, proactive and commercially minded people support across the organisation during a period of maternity leave. The role delivers a mix of operational HR support, management capability development, culture reinforcement, employment law guidance, talent support and member-facing consultancy advice.

KEY DUTIES

People Advisory & Case Management

• Provide timely, accurate advice to managers and employees on people matters, including performance, conduct, capability and grievances.
• Coach managers through complex performance and ER cases, ensuring fair process, high-quality documentation and alignment with company policies.

Management Capability, Training & Employee Awareness

• Design and deliver management capability training sessions covering core people practices, leadership behaviours and policy understanding.

• Develop and run employee awareness and knowledge sessions to improve organisational understanding of key people topics and behaviours.

• Deliver the induction programme for new employees.

Culture & Behaviour Reinforcement

• Support the ongoing culture programme, analyse findings and translate them into clear, actionable culture improvement plans.

• Champion the organisation’s behaviours through everyday practice.

Talent, Workforce & Development Support

• Support the Director of People on talent management activities.

• Provide insights and recommendations to enhance workforce performance and support organisational priorities.

Employment Law & Regulatory Compliance

• Research and interpret the forthcoming Employment Rights Act 2025 changes, and coordinate the implementation of necessary updates to policies, processes, and communications to ensure full compliance.

• Communicate legislative changes to managers and employees clearly and effectively.

Member Consultancy Support

• Provide consultancy-style advice to members on employment law, people management practices and case-specific queries.

• Ensure guidance is practical, commercially aware and reflective of best practice.

People Operations & Data

• Oversee recruitment processes, working with managers to ensure fair and effective selection practices.

ABOUT YOU

Qualification, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience

• Proven HR generalist experience with strong UK employment law knowledge

• Experience coaching managers and advising on ER cases

• Background in training delivery or capability development

• Familiar with ATS/HRIS systems (Team Tailor and Employment Hero desirable)

• Confident building trusted relationships across all levels

• Strong communication, facilitation and coaching skills

• Organised, proactive and solutions-focused with commercial awareness

• Calm under pressure with sound judgement and adaptability

• Curious mindset with interest in systems, processes and organisational behaviour

• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret people data

• Proficient in Microsoft Office

• Experience facilitating focus groups or culture sessions (desirable)

• Flexible and willing to travel between Penrith and London as required.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates ethical behaviour and maintains confidentiality in all People matters.

• Shows understanding and consideration for the perspectives and feelings of others.

• Thrives in a dynamic environment and is open to change and new ideas.

• Takes initiative and anticipates the needs of the business and employees.

• Maintains composure and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.

We encourage early applications, as we may close the vacancy once we receive a strong pool of candidates!

Don’t meet every single requirement? At BESA, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn't match every requirement perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be exactly the candidate we're looking for!

£45,000 - £50,000 per annum

Pension: Employee Contribution 4% and Employer Contribution 5%

Life Cover: Starts from first day of the month after joining us.

Annual Leave: 26 days plus 8 bank holidays

Summer Hours: Option of compressed hours over the Summer to finish early on a Friday

BUPA Health Insurance: We have a comprehensive scheme available to join from your first day of employment.

Employee Assistance Program: WeCare offers a comprehensive array of virtual services designed to enhance your medical, mental, legal and financial; well-being.

Discounted Gym Membership: Through Better Gyms.