People Partner - 6 month FTC

Michael Page (UK); East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global life sciences organization in the UK seeks a resilient HR professional to shape its HR function during a period of growth. The role involves advising managers on employee relations issues, managing complex caseloads, and supporting organisational change. The ideal candidate is CIPD qualified with strong operational HR experience and the ability to work independently in a challenging environment. An attractive benefits package is offered, including 25 days holiday, pension contribution, and healthcare options.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension contribution

Healthcare options

Company car

Discretionary bonus

Free parking

Qualifications

• CIPD qualified with strong operational HR experience.
• Able to work independently in a limited structure.
• Experience in organisational change and multi-site environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to managers on ER issues.
• Manage a personal caseload including absence and performance.
• Collaborate on HR system implementation with international teams.

Skills

Operational HR experience

Strong IT skills

Comfortable navigating ambiguity

Coaching and up-skilling managers

Education

CIPD qualified

Tools

HR systems

Job description

Overview

• Shape and build the HR function during a period of growth and transformation.
• Lead on implementing a new HR system.

About Our Client

The company is a global life sciences organisation with around 300 employees in the UK and 7 sites nationwide. It provides specialist laboratory testing services for pharmaceuticals, microbiology, chemistry, and food safety, and is part of a larger international group backed by private equity.

Job Description

• Act as a trusted advisor to managers, providing clear, risk-based guidance on ER issues.
• Manage a personal caseload including absence, performance, and complex ER matters.
• Support organisational change, including restructures, consultations, and exits.
• Coach and up-skill managers to build confidence in handling people issues.
• Collaborate on HR system implementation with international teams.
• Champion best practice, compliance, and continuous improvement across multiple UK sites.

The Successful Applicant

• CIPD qualified with strong operational HR experience.
• Resilient, curious, and able to work independently in an environment with limited structure.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and supporting managers through challenging conversations.
• Experience in organisational change and multi-site environments.
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with HR systems.

What's on Offer

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension contribution
• Healthcare options, EAP, eyecare vouchers
• Company car
• Discretionary bonus
• Free parking

Interview Process

• Stage 1: Informal Teams call
• Stage 2: Face-to-face competency interview

Start date

Early January 2026