People Partner - Maternity Cover
Join us as a People Partner on a 10-month maternity cover. Provide practical HR support, coaching and culture initiatives.
This is a temporary, full-time position (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday) for up to 10 months, starting in June 2026. The role provides an opportunity to support the team during a period of maternity leave.
It is a hybrid position, with a preference for attending the office at least 2 days per week where possible. Remote applications will be considered; however, occasional travel to both the London and Penrith offices will be required.
ABOUT THE ROLE
To provide professional, proactive and commercially minded people support across the organisation during a period of maternity leave. The role delivers a mix of operational HR support, management capability development, culture reinforcement, employment law guidance, talent support and member-facing consultancy advice.
KEY DUTIES
People Advisory & Case Management
Provide timely, accurate advice to managers and employees on people matters, including performance, conduct, capability and grievances.
Coach managers through complex performance and ER cases, ensuring fair process, high-quality documentation and alignment with company policies.
Management Capability, Training & Employee Awareness
Design and deliver management capability training sessions covering core people practices, leadership behaviours and policy understanding.
Develop and run employee awareness and knowledge sessions to improve organisational understanding of key people topics and behaviours.
Deliver the induction programme for new employees.
Culture & Behaviour Reinforcement
Support the ongoing culture programme, analyse findings and translate them into clear, actionable culture improvement plans.
Champion the organisation’s behaviours through everyday practice.
Talent, Workforce & Development Support
Support the Director of People on talent management activities.
Provide insights and recommendations to enhance workforce performance and support organisational priorities.
Employment Law & Regulatory Compliance
Research and interpret the forthcoming Employment Rights Act 2025 changes, and coordinate the implementation of necessary updates to policies, processes, and communications to ensure full compliance.
Communicate legislative changes to managers and employees clearly and effectively.
Member Consultancy Support
Provide consultancy-style advice to members on employment law, people management practices and case-specific queries.
Ensure guidance is practical, commercially aware and reflective of best practice.
People Operations & Data
Oversee recruitment processes, working with managers to ensure fair and effective selection practices.
ABOUT YOU
Qualification, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience
Proven HR generalist experience with strong UK employment law knowledge
Experience coaching managers and advising on ER cases
Background in training delivery or capability development
Familiar with ATS/HRIS systems (TeamTailor and Employment Hero desirable)
Confident building trusted relationships across all levels
Strong communication, facilitation and coaching skills
Organised, proactive and solutions-focused with commercial awareness
Calm under pressure with sound judgement and adaptability
Curious mindset with interest in systems, processes and organisational behaviour
Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret people data
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Experience facilitating focus groups or culture sessions (desirable)
Flexible and willing to travel between Penrith and London as required.
Personal Attributes
Demonstrates ethical behaviour and maintains confidentiality in all People matters.
Shows understanding and consideration for the perspectives and feelings of others.
Thrives in a dynamic environment and is open to change and new ideas.
Takes initiative and anticipates the needs of the business and employees.
Maintains composure and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Additional Information
All candidates must be able to demonstrate a pre-existing right to work and travel within the UK. Documentary evidence will be required.
Salary Range : £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Closing Date: 26th April 2026
Interview Date: w/c 4th April 2026
We encourage early applications, as we may close the vacancy once we receive a strong pool of candidates!
Don’t meet every single requirement? At BESA, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn't match every requirement perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be exactly the candidate we're looking for!
- Locations
- Old Mansion House, Penrith, CA10 2BX, Rotherwick House, London, E1W 1YZ
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Employment type
- Full-time
About BESA
For Better Buildings
For more than 120 years, BESA (The Building Engineering Services Association) has been driving excellence so everyone can expect and experience better buildings, and better buildings support better lives.
We were formerly known as the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA).
As a trade body and membership organisation, we’re here to help our members and their customers deliver or specify better building engineering services and a better built environment.
Interested? Check out our website at www.thebesa.com!