Junior People Partner

Ascot Racecourse; Ascott-under-Wychwood; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious racing venue in England is looking for a Junior People Partner to join the HR team. The role requires HR support, coaching for line managers, and a detailed understanding of HR functions. Key duties include employee relations, onboarding processes, and data management. This is a chance to make a positive impact in a vibrant organization committed to diversity and sustainability.

Benefits

Tailored induction and training schemes

Wellbeing support including a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme

Additional annual leave during end of year offices closure

Complimentary race day entry for friends and family

Exclusive discounts in local shops and cafes

Qualifications

• Detailed understanding of all aspects of HR function.
• Ability to assist and advise on all aspects of the employee life cycle.
• Experience supporting a temporary and casual contract workforce.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers.
• Provide HR support on employee matters.
• Assist in implementing HR initiatives aligned with business strategy.

Skills

HR generalist knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Commercial acumen

Team player attributes

Education

CIPD qualification Level 5 (desirable)

Tools

HR / ATS systems (desirable)

Job description

Overview

Ascot is a destination where tradition meets innovation. We host over 500,000 guests each year, with a team of behind-the-scenes heroes bringing every intricate detail to life. As one of the world’s leading racecourses with a heritage spanning over 300 years, Ascot pursues excellence in all we do, from hosting Royal Ascot to pioneering sustainable practices and building a global lifestyle brand centered on world-class horse racing. We aim to preserve the beauty of our surroundings and minimise our ecological footprint through eco-friendly initiatives and community engagement programs.

What We Are Looking For
We are currently seeking a Junior People Partner to join our HR team, based at the racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire.

What youll be doing

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers, providing day-to-day HR support, coaching, and guidance on employee matters including performance, sickness absence, disciplinary and grievance matters, exit interviews and maternity/paternity leave.
• Assist in implementing HR initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy and HR plans.
• Provide first-line support on employee relations cases, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies and escalating more complex issues as needed.
• Ensure onboarding, promotions and offboarding processes are positive experiences for employees by supporting the relevant review meetings and maintaining records on agreed outcomes.
• Maintain and update trackers in a timely manner to ensure accurate people data and identify trends for driving business change.
• Create reports and use HR data to spot trends, helping inform decisions and support the wider organisation with meaningful insights.
• Support the performance and development review process, providing tools, communication, and guidance to ensure timely and effective execution.
• Assist in the delivery of change management projects by supporting communication, transition activities, and manager readiness.
• Work closely with all managers to ensure our onboarding process is professional, commercial and timely, attracting top talent, including the recruitment of race-day/seasonal staff.
• Review and prepare policies and procedures to ensure UK employment law compliance.
• Act as the primary interface with all managers on HR issues within your business unit.
• Support HR colleagues with admin as and when required.
• Working cross-functionally with other teams to share best practice and achieve operational targets including the 1711 HR Team.
• Develop effective working relationships with raceday staff as appropriate.
• Support race days as applicable (26 race days per year).
• Such other duties as the Company may, at times, reasonably require.

Skills And Experience You Can Bring

• HR generalist with detailed understanding of all aspects of HR function.
• Professional with commercial acumen.
• A sound knowledge of current employment legislation.
• Experience of supporting a temporary and casual contract workforce.
• Able to work autonomously and work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to assist and advise on all aspects of the employee life cycle.
• Excellent communication & attention to detail.
• Driven individual with a passion for people development.
• Keen team player, able to work effectively as a team but also on own initiative.
• Desirable - CIPD qualification Level 5.
• Desirable - Experience of HR / ATS systems.

What You Can Expect From Us

• A best-in-class welcome with a tailored induction and racecourse tour, as well as a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development.
• Access to wellbeing support for yourself and your family including a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Healthcare support app with 24/7 virtual GP access.
• Opportunity to make an impact in our volunteer week with a day out of the office to support local community and charity partners.
• End of year offices closed (extra 2 days annual leave added to your entitlement).
• Time Off in Lieu (toil) for working race days.
• Clothing and hat hire.
• Complimentary race day entry for friends and family.
• Exclusive discounts in local shops and cafes.
• Exclusive discounts from selected partner brands and suppliers.
• Invitations to our social events, annual parties and afternoon-teas to celebrate special occasions throughout the year.

What Sets Us Apart From The Rest

We are committed to making a positive change now and for future generations through our Diversity and Inclusion strategy and training programmes, Racing To Zero sustainability actions, and forward-thinking employee benefits including flexible working and menopause policies, as well as health and EAP support access. We are proud of our community outreach, including a volunteering week for employees to support local charities.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision

We are committed to ensuring guests from all backgrounds feel welcome at the Racecourse and to nurturing internal teams within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our mission is to eliminate discrimination and prejudice at our venue and throughout our business. By educating and implementing meaningful actions, Ascot aims to be a place for everyone to enjoy. As an equal opportunities employer, Ascot Racecourse does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How To Apply

Applications will close on 30 September 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified. For assistance with your application or should you require an alternative application format, please contact.