Senior People Partner

Zenzero; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic technology-led business in the UK is seeking an experienced Senior People Partner to act as a trusted advisor across the employee lifecycle. You will partner with leadership to align people initiatives with business objectives, driving engagement and performance. This role requires significant HR generalist experience, knowledge of UK employment law, and proven abilities in training and stakeholder management. The position offers a chance to build proactive relationships and lead cultural improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within a global, multi-site environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and payroll processes.
• Proven ability to design and deliver manager training programmes.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, proactive relationships with business unit leaders and managers.
• Lead initiatives to improve employee engagement using data.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal policies.

Skills

Employee engagement strategy

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

HR Generalist experience

Education

CIPD qualification (Level 3 or above)

Job description

Senior People Partner

As a Senior People Partner, you will act as a trusted advisor to a designated business unit(s), delivering a high-quality generalist HR service across the employee lifecycle. Operating with autonomy and credibility, you will partner with leadership to align people initiatives with business objectives, driving engagement and performance.

You will bring expertise in employee engagement and manager capability building, alongside deep knowledge of employment law and HR best practice. While this role has no direct people management responsibilities, you will coach and influence managers, acting as a subject matter expert and role model for company behaviours.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in fast growth, dynamic, technology led businesses previously, and bring that knowledge and understanding to this role to enable their position as a trusted advisor to business leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

Business Partnering & Advisory

• Build strong, proactive relationships with business unit leaders and managers based on credibility, business insight, and professional knowledge.
• Understand business priorities and translate them into effective people strategies and interventions.
• Provide pragmatic, solution-focused advice on all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including performance, engagement, and organisational development.
• Manage complex casework, offering risk-based guidance informed by employment law expertise.

Engagement & Culture

• Lead initiatives to improve employee engagement, using data and feedback to inform action plans.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing across the business unit.
• Actively promote culture change and continuous improvement to deliver a high-quality, consistent HR service.

Manager Capability & Training

• Design and deliver training sessions for managers on core people practices (performance, ER handling, engagement).
• Act as a coach and mentor to managers, building confidence and capability in people leadership.
• Support the Head of People in maintaining a high-performance culture through effective performance management frameworks.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal policies.
• Maintain accurate HR records and data integrity within the HR system.
• Provide guidance on payroll processes and collaborate with Finance to ensure accuracy (knowledge only, no direct processing).

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional HR projects that enhance efficiency and employee experience.
• Support organisational change initiatives, including restructures and culture change programmes.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practice solutions.

Required Experience :

• Track record of working autonomously in field of HR in fast growth environments
• Previous experience working in businesses of similar size and growth trajectory
• Can demonstrate ability to work autonomously, making decisions, while also working collaboratively as part of a broader People & Talent function
• Some understanding of the product set is desirable but not necessary

Essential Experience & Skills

• CIPD qualification (Level 3 or above).
• Significant experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within a global, multi-site environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and payroll processes.
• Proven ability to design and deliver manager training programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage ambiguity.

Desirable

• Experience in employee engagement strategy and delivery.
• Previous exposure to service-provider or geographically distributed business models.
• Strong knowledge of South African, Dubai or Australian employment law.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of business drivers.
• Experience working with Reward teams on compensation, benefits, and recognition initiatives.