People Business Partner, Editorial (12 month parental leave cover)

London

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The role

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the role holder will be responsible for business partnering with leadership teams in Editorial, FT Specialist, Finance & Communications and will be proactive in co-creating and implementing our people strategy and objectives supporting the delivery of FT's business strategy. It will suit a People Business Partner who is used to working with and navigating the dynamics of a highly creative and independent workforce with good humour and heart.

Key responsibilities

• As a member of the People leadership team participating & contributing to the development and practical execution of the FT’s people strategy
• Proactively working with the managing editor’s office and editorial leadership teams to support their diversity & inclusion plans, talent retention, succession and engagement strategies, mergers and acquisitions, compensation and benefits, employee relations and other queries as required
• Develop strong and trusted partnerships with business leaders and managers providing thought leadership, challenge as well as commercially-minded and pragmatic, solutions-focused coaching and advice
• Support regular union consultation meetings, including annual pay negotiations
• Partner with centres of expertise including talent acquisition, learning & talent, global mobility, and the People services team to design and execute appropriate people solutions
• Work with the People systems team to report on and analyse key People metrics for the functions which will provide insights and trends to help inform and address challenges and spot opportunities
• Proactively build external networks, within and outside of the media sector to build your professional and market knowledge and to bring insight and ideas back to the FT.

Required skills and experience

• A natural ability to build credible, strong and long lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders with heart and good humour
• Ability to apply good judgement to situations rather than policing
• Effective influencing skills, bravery to appropriately challenge the status quo
• Proven ability to think strategically, to see the bigger picture and operate at a global level yet act operationally and locally to transform wider people strategies into action
• Digital and technological savviness
• Collaborative and inclusive approach
• Bias for action - a track record of delivering results
• Positive “can-do” attitude - not being precious but instead rolling up sleeves to deliver what the business needs
• Strong employee relations experience
• Demonstrable evidence of keeping abreast of industry, competitor and sector changes
• Experience working within a media company
• Experience of working within an international environment
• Experience of working within a unionised environment (or dealing with the dynamics of).

This role will be offered as a 12 month fixed term parental leave cover contract.

What’s in it for you?

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here. We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further information

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.