People Operations Partner

Splendid Hospitality Group; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Discounted stays and F&B

Leadership development programmes

Life assurance and pension scheme

Job summary

A leading UK hospitality firm based in Watford seeks a People Operations Partner to support and empower Head Office teams. This role involves managing complex Employee Relations matters while providing guidance on performance, conduct, and capability. Candidates should have strong UK employment law knowledge and proven experience in managing ER cases. The firm offers hybrid working arrangements, career development opportunities, and benefits including heavily discounted stays at their hotels.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and application of ACAS guidance.
• Ability to balance commercial and legal risk.
• Experience coaching and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Confidence to operate as an ER expert in fast-paced environments.
• Capability to use ER data for risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main People contact for Head Office.
• Manage complex ER cases end-to-end.
• Coach and develop People Advisors.
• Monitor ER trends and maintain accurate systems.
• Support policy updates and ensure compliance.

Skills

CIPD Level 5+

UK employment law knowledge

Managing complex ER cases

Coaching

Analytical skills

Proficient in HR systems

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Imagine being at the heart of how we support and empower our people — shaping a fair, consistent, and high‑performing employee experience across our growing business.

As People Operations Partner, you’ll be the trusted People contact for our Head Office teams and the escalation point for complex Employee Relations (ER) matters. Blending hands‑on support with specialist ER expertise, you’ll ensure our policies and practices are applied consistently, fairly, and effectively.

📌 The Role

In this role, you’ll partner with managers to provide practical, risk‑based guidance on performance, conduct, attendance, and capability. You’ll coach People Advisors, maintain a joined‑up approach with People Business Partners, and help strengthen People Operations through continuous improvement, compliance, and process optimisation.

Your day‑to‑day will include:

• Acting as the main People contact for Head Office, offering hands‑on support across all employee lifecycle stages
• Managing complex ER cases end‑to‑end, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance, appeals, and Employment Tribunal support
• Coaching and developing People Advisors through feedback, case reviews, and training
• Monitoring ER trends, maintaining accurate systems, and using data to mitigate risk and inform proactive solutions
• Supporting policy updates, TUPE activity, and ensuring consistent, compliant processes
• Enabling early resolution through mediation, settlements, and external liaison where needed

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds CIPD Level 5+ (or equivalent experience) with strong UK employment law knowledge and confident application of ACAS guidance
• Has proven experience managing complex ER cases and balancing commercial and legal risk
• Can coach and influence senior stakeholders while supporting junior HR colleagues
• Is confident operating in fast‑paced environments as a trusted ER expert and escalation point
• Has strong analytical skills, using ER data to identify trends and mitigate risk
• Is proficient in HR systems and technology across the employee lifecycle

We live by our values, and we’d love you to bring them to life every day:

• Nimble – Thrive in a fast‑paced, agile environment and take initiative
• Honest – Lead with integrity and communicate openly
• Brilliant – Bring energy, creativity, and a commitment to excellence
• Open – Value inclusivity, connection, and community

💡 What We Offer

At Splendid Hospitality Group, we care about creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. You’ll be part of a friendly, ambitious team with opportunities to develop and make an impact.

You’ll also enjoy:

• Hybrid working with 3 days per week at Head Office, plus travel across our locations when needed
• Heavily discounted stays and F&B across our portfolio
• Leadership development programmes and career growth opportunities
• Life assurance, pension scheme, and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

🌟 About Splendid Hospitality Group

We’re one of the UK’s fastest‑growing, privately owned hotel groups — family‑run, values‑led, and proudly entrepreneurial. We build and operate exceptional properties and hospitality brands across the UK, including:

• Hilton London Bankside
• The Grand Hotel, York
• Four Points Flex by Sheraton, London Euston
• 6 Accor properties
• 38 KFC restaurants
• 3 care homes in Sussex

As a family‑run business, people are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by the Splendid Hospitality Way, we create extraordinary experiences, positively impact lives, and support our teams to grow, succeed, and have fun.

📩 Ready to join us?

Splendid Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.