People Partner

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.

Job Title: People Partner (HR Business Partner)

Location: Warwick / Hybrid

Contract Type: 6 months initial (potential extension up to 12 months)

Role Overview

This is an interim People Partner role (externally aligned to HR Business Partner level), appointed to provide additional capacity, continuity, and delivery support within the People function during a period of significant organisational change and peak demand.

The role is hands-on and delivery-focused, rather than centred on long-term strategic design. It will play a key role in maintaining momentum across critical people initiatives while providing senior stakeholder support.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering & Leadership Support

Act as the primary People Partner for assigned business areas, aligning people strategy with business objectives
Coach and advise senior leaders on employee experience, performance, capability, and organisational effectiveness
Build strong, trusted relationships and provide proactive, commercially focused HR support
Facilitate communication between business areas and the wider People functionWorkforce Planning (Essential)

Deliver and implement strategic workforce plans already in place
Translate workforce strategy into practical, operational outcomes
Support leaders in resource planning aligned to future business needsOrganisational Development & Job Architecture

Lead delivery of the final phase of job architecture implementation
Map roles into existing frameworks, ensuring consistency and alignment
Develop and refine job descriptions, skills, and capability frameworks
Facilitate alignment across stakeholders with differing prioritiesChange & Culture

Support cultural transformation and people-related change initiatives
Embed performance-focused behaviours and practices across leadership teams
Contribute to engagement, inclusion, and leadership development initiativesPerformance & Talent

Support delivery of the performance management cycle, including calibration processes
Contribute to talent, succession, and capability planning
Help implement EVP and talent initiatives to attract and retain talentEmployee Relations (Advisory)

Provide guidance to leaders on outcomes of complex ER cases
Support implementation of recommendations (not case ownership)Continuous Improvement & Insight

Use internal and external insights to inform decision-making
Ensure People practices are modern, effective, and aligned to business needs
Identify and drive process improvements where appropriate

About You

We are looking for a commercially minded, delivery-focused HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Essential Experience

Proven experience as a People Partner / HR Business Partner
Strong track record of working with senior leadership teams
Demonstrated delivery in:
Workforce planning (essential)
Organisational change and transformation
Role design / organisational effectiveness
Experience operating in complex or matrixed organisationsSkills & Capabilities

Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
Ability to translate strategy into clear, actionable outcomes
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capability
Confident coaching senior leaders
High level of resilience and adaptability in changing environments
Strong facilitation skills and attention to detailKnowledge & Mindset

Commercially aware with the ability to align people strategy to business value
Forward-thinking, with awareness of external trends and best practice
Practical and execution-focused ("a doer") rather than purely theoreticalQualifications

CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 (or equivalent experience)

Apply now!

Please be advised: if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours, then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion. We may, however, keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you accordingly.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention