People Business Partner

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

The People Business Partner plays a crucial role in supporting the People function by providing strategic and operational HR advice to managers and employees. This position is responsible for delivering people solutions across a range of HR disciplines, including employee relations, performance management, talent management, compensation, and organisational development. The People Business Partner will partner with managers and leaders to drive HR initiatives, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and help foster a positive organisational culture.

In addition, the role will understand and support the Commercial team across the UK and Europe on employment law matters, ensuring compliance with statutory employment requirements in all EU jurisdictions. This will include working directly with in-country employment lawyers to provide accurate, timely, and practical advice that enables the business to operate confidently and compliantly across multiple markets.

* May require travel in the UK and Europe from time to time.

You’ll be:

Employee Relations: Serve as a key contact for managers and employees on complex HR matters, offering guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace issues. Advise on disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance management, ensuring fairness and legal compliance. Facilitate mediation and dispute resolution to maintain a positive work environment.

Performance Management: Support managers in setting expectations, giving feedback, and conducting reviews. Design and implement performance improvement plans (PIPs) where needed and advise on succession planning and development of high-potential talent.

Talent Management: Partner with Talent Partners to deliver effective talent acquisition strategies. Identify skills gaps, recommend development programs, and encourage career progression.

HR Policies & Compliance: Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and best practices. Help create, implement, and communicate HR policies while staying current with legislation.

Training & Development: Identify training needs and work with Learning & Development to design and deliver programs. Support managers in coaching and mentoring their teams.

Compensation & Benefits: Advise on pay strategies, salary reviews, bonuses, and benefits in collaboration with the Head of People. Support benefits programs and analyse market data to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

Organisational Development: Contribute to strategies for restructuring, job design, and workforce planning. Guide change management processes and support employee engagement initiatives.

HR Systems & Reporting: Use HR data and analytics to identify trends and provide insights. Generate reports to inform strategic decision-making.

Ad-hoc HR Projects: Lead or support HR initiatives aimed at improving processes, enhancing employee experience, or delivering company-wide programs such as recognition schemes, well-being initiatives, and diversity & inclusion efforts.

You’ll have:

-CIPD Level 7 qualification and at least 8 years’ generalist HR experience.

-Proven HR systems knowledge and proficiency in MS Office.

-A personable, efficient manner aligned with the Jellycat brand ethos.

-Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

-High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential matters.

-Ability to influence and build relationships across all levels, including senior leadership.

-Expert knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.

-Strong communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and analytical skills.

-Project management capability and excellent attention to detail.

-Demonstrated success in complex employee relations case management.

-A proactive problem-solving mindset with foresight to identify and address issues.

-A collaborative, flexible, and positive approach to teamwork.

-Experience managing direct reports (desirable).