People Partner

Eric Wright Group; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A diverse construction and engineering firm is seeking an experienced People Partner to enhance its people services across the Group. This role requires significant HR experience, exceptional people skills, and a strategic mindset. You will influence decisions and engage employees while delivering development initiatives. The company offers a competitive benefits package including hybrid working and a car allowance. This position aims for a candidate committed to fostering a positive workplace culture.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Car allowance or company car

Enhanced family leave policies

6.5% employer pension contribution

Onsite free gym

Healthcare options

Qualifications

• Significant experience operating at a senior level with HR and OD knowledge.
• Ability to influence decisions with commercial acumen.
• Experience leading people development and engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Shape and influence delivery of first-class people service.
• Work across the full people remit including engagement and talent management.
• Lead end-to-end projects, bringing people along.

Skills

HR best practice knowledge

People development

Employee engagement

Employment law knowledge

Employee relations

Commercial awareness

Coaching and facilitation

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualified or equivalent

Job description

Job Advert

Eric Wright Group is no ordinary business. We’re a diverse group of companies operating across construction, water, civil engineering, property development and facilities management. With a turnover of over £300m and over 1,000 colleagues across the North of England, Scotland and Wales, our success is built on the founding principles of being profitable, ethical and farsighted.

Wholly owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, we’re a commercially driven organisation with a genuine social purpose. We’re forward‑thinking and people‑focused, proud of our passionate, friendly teams who live our values every day. Our people are the reason we are who we are, and we work hard to create an environment where talent is nurtured, wellbeing is prioritised, and everyone can Grow, Learn and Thrive.

The Opportunity

We’re growing, and we’re looking for an experienced People Partner to help us to broaden the delivery of our first class people service across our Group. This is a new role, giving you the scope to shape, influence and make a real impact from day one.

You’ll join a small but highly respected People team, a group of dedicated professionals who are trusted across the business. To succeed, you’ll need to build credibility quickly, using your commercial acumen, relationship building skills and deep understanding of people, culture and behaviour. This role blends strategy with hands‑on delivery. You’ll work across the full people remit, including employee engagement, talent management, and designing and delivering development intervention, working with our wider People team (HR and L&D).

What You’ll Bring

You’ll thrive here if you can demonstrate significant experience in:

• Operating at a senior level with strong, breadth and depth of HR and OD best practice knowledge
• People development, employee engagement, behavioural insight and culture shaping
• The full talent cycle, recruitment, development, reward, recognition
• Employment law, policy, governance and technical expertise
• Full spectrum of employee relations including complex cases, TUPE and restructures
• Commercial awareness and the ability to influence decisions
• Leading and delivering end to end projects, bringing people with you
• Coaching, mediating, influencing and facilitating
• Strong communication, analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Being a team player, with the wider people team and colleagues across the business
• Being self‑motivated, resilient and action orientated – getting things done!

Ideally you will be CIPD Level 7 qualified, but we’re equally open to those who can demonstrate capability and impact at this level.

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive, people centred benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance:

• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays, rising with service
• Enhanced paid family leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility, bereavement and more)
• Hybrid working (1–2 days from home per week)
• Company car or £6,450 car allowance (Our company car fleet is 100% hybrid/electric vehicles)
• 6.5% employer pension contribution
• Onsite free gym
• Access to a Company Doctor
• Optional BUPA cover (50% contribution, including family options)
• Group Income Protection (50% salary for 3 years)
• Optional health plans including dental, cash plans and critical illness
• Savings scheme
• EAP support for you and your family
• Mental health support via the NHS‑approved Thrive app
• Recognition awards for long service and special milestones
• A holistic wellbeing strategy covering physical, emotional, financial and career wellbeing
• Extensive learning and development opportunities across all levels

Our Values

At the heart of everything we do are four core values:

• Integrity – We’re transparent, honest, and accountable. We build trust and deliver lasting impact.
• Excellence – We go beyond expectations with expertise, determination, and attention to detail.
• Respect – We’re inclusive, compassionate, and professional. Every voice matters.
• Innovation – We think differently, solve problems creatively, and embrace a “can do” attitude.

How You’ll Work

We’re looking for someone who lives our behaviours:

• Be authentic – Say what you mean, keep your promises, and build trust
• Be accountable – Own your work, celebrate success, and learn from setbacks
• Belong – Be part of something bigger, rooted in community and purpose
• Be the best you can – Give your all, ask for support, and grow with us
• Be motivated – Strive for excellence and take charge of your development
• Be safe – Look after yourself and others—safe people, safe place
• Be inclusive – Treat everyone with fairness, respect, and equality
• Be empathetic – Listen deeply and value every voice
• Be open – Share feedback, celebrate strengths, and speak up for what’s right
• Be collaborative – Offer support, share knowledge, and learn from others
• Be inspiring – Lead with positivity, embrace innovation, and foster teamwork
• Be bold – Speak up, be curious, and help shape the future

At Eric Wright Group, our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, who share of values, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Department EWG Contract type Full time Hours 37.5 per week Salary Competitive Benefits Competitive salary, car or car allowance, generous pension, holidays, income protection, health plans, paid family leave and much more!