People Partner (Maternity Cover)

Classic Football Company Ltd.; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A sports apparel company is hiring a People Partner (Maternity Cover) for 12 months to provide essential HR support. This role focuses on maintaining existing HR projects during maternity leave, guiding the HR team on employee relations, and ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation. Ideal candidates are experienced HR professionals familiar with fast-paced environments and HRIS implementation. The position offers a hybrid working model based in Manchester, England.

Qualifications

• Experienced HR professional in a fast‑paced SME environment.
• Strong employee relations experience handling complex cases.
• Experience supporting or mentoring HR team members.

Responsibilities

• Act as a point of expertise for complex HR queries.
• Support day-to-day HR matters and ensure process consistency.
• Assist in developing the wider HR team.

Skills

HR support experience

Employee relations

HRIS implementation

Mentoring

Job description

People Partner (Maternity Cover) – 12 month FTC

We welcome all suitably qualified applicants and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We have a great work ethic and a friendly group of diverse employees who enjoy working here to help carry out our mission.

The People Partner (Maternity Cover) will provide hands‑on HR support to the business during maternity leave. This role is focused on supporting the HR team, maintaining continuity, and ensuring smooth delivery of existing HR projects and processes.

The People Partner will work closely with the HR team and Finance Director, providing guidance on employee relations, HR operations, and recruitment, while sharing expertise to develop the HR Advisor.

This role is focused on supporting and delivering existing HR activities, rather than leading the HR function or introducing new strategies.

Location: Hybrid – Broadway, Hyde SK14 4QF, Manchester City Centre Dale Street & Home based.

Hours: 39 hours per week, 5 days a week Mon‑Fri

Responsibilities

• Act as a point of expertise for complex HR queries, supporting the HR team as needed.
• Ensure day‑to‑day HR matters are addressed effectively, keeping processes and standards consistent across the business.
• Provide day‑to‑day coaching, guidance and support to the HR team, helping to build capability and confidence across the function.
• Assist in the development of the wider HR team.
• Support the HR team in progressing existing HR projects and initiatives, including:
• Employee engagement survey rollout and follow‑up actions.
• Onboarding and employee experience improvements.
• Adoption and use of the new HRIS.
• Ensure ongoing HR projects continue on schedule during the maternity cover period.
• Provide support on employment rights act employment law changes, helping the team implement any required actions.
• Ensure HR practices remain compliant with UK employment legislation and internal policies.
• Provide HR support for any EU store expansions, working alongside external advisors where required.
• Assist the HR team with any employment queries related to international locations.
• Support recruitment activities with the People & Culture Officer to ensure a smooth, consistent, and compliant hiring process.
• Maintain current recruitment processes and practices.
• Provide HR input and guidance to the Internal Communications Executive where people‑related communication is required.

The job duties list is not exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope / level of the role.

About you

• Experienced HR professional, ideally within a fast‑paced SME environment.
• Strong employee relations experience with confidence handling complex cases.
• Comfortable balancing commercial realities with people considerations.
• Enjoys developing others and sharing knowledge.
• Hands‑on and pragmatic – willing to get involved in operational delivery when needed.
• Experience with UK employment law (knowledge of EU employment considerations beneficial but not essential).
• Experience supporting HR systems or HRIS implementation is a plus.
• Experience supporting or mentoring more junior HR team members.