At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with managers to tackle people challenges and improve HR practices.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech company focused on sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, autonomy, and support in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape HR practices and grow alongside the company.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team making a real impact in the energy sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or as a People Partner, with a passion for learning.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Applied Computing was founded in 2023 to build Orbital, a physics-informed foundation model for energy operations. We’re live across oil and gas, refineries, and petrochemicals, working towards our mission: sustainable abundance for a growing planet. The hydrocarbon industry keeps the world running. But its complexity has left operators tied to legacy systems, making critical decisions on less than 10% of available data. We built Orbital to change that. It’s a foundation model built specifically for energy that lets companies use AI at scale, harnessing all of their operational data and optimising in real time for any metric. Decisions get faster, operations get safer, and carbon intensity falls. We’ve raised over $32 million, including one of the largest seed rounds for an AI company in the UK. We’re just getting started.
The Role
We’re looking for a People Partner to join our People team and help us build the foundations we need for our next stage of growth. This isn’t a role where everything is already built. You’ll partner with managers and leaders on their teams and people challenges, while also getting involved in building and improving the People practices we need as we scale. You’ll work closely with the Head of Talent Experience, who will set the overall People direction and priorities and frameworks. You’ll help turn those priorities into practical solutions, taking ownership of projects and pieces of work and making sure they work in practice. There will be a lot of autonomy. You’ll have support, context and guidance, but we’ll expect you to be comfortable taking something on, working through the detail and moving it forward without needing step‑by‑step direction. You’ll also get broad exposure to what it takes to scale a company. This is a great opportunity for someone who already has solid HR foundations and wants to broaden their experience, learn quickly and take on increasing levels of ownership. You don’t need to have done everything before. We’re looking for someone curious, pragmatic and comfortable figuring things out, who knows when to run with something and when to ask for support.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with managers and leaders. Support them across performance, development, team effectiveness, organisation changes and day‑to‑day people topics.
- Support performance and talent. Help managers set expectations, give good feedback, address performance concerns and make thoughtful decisions about development and progression.
- Coach managers. Help managers become more confident and effective at leading their teams, including navigating difficult conversations and situations.
- Support employee relations. Manage day‑to‑day employee relations matters, bringing in the Head of Talent Experience for more complex or sensitive situations.
- Build and improve People practices. Take ownership of defined projects and workstreams across areas such as onboarding, performance, talent, manager capability and engagement.
- Turn direction into delivery. Take an agreed outcome or approach and work out how to make it happen in practice, bringing ideas and recommendations rather than waiting for a detailed brief.
- Use data and feedback. Help us understand what’s happening across the organisation, identify themes and use those insights to improve how we work.
- Work across the People team. Partner closely with Talent Acquisition and People Operations to create a joined‑up employee experience.
- Get stuck in. We’re a small, growing company. You’ll be comfortable getting into the detail, writing the first draft, fixing something that isn’t working or picking up something that needs doing.
What Success Looks Like
- Managers trust you and come to you for support and advice on their teams.
- You’re able to manage People matters independently, while using good judgement about when to bring in the Head of Talent Experience.
- You take ownership of projects and pieces of work and move them forward without needing constant direction.
- You’re helping turn our People priorities into simple, practical things that work for managers and employees.
- You’re learning quickly, building your experience across different areas of People and becoming increasingly confident operating in a scaling organisation.
- And you’re helping us introduce the right amount of structure as we grow, without creating unnecessary process.
What We’re Looking For
- HR Business Partner, People Partner or strong HR generalist experience.
- Experience within a scale‑up or fast‑changing environment, within the tech industry.
- Experience working directly with managers on a range of people matters.
- Good foundations across areas such as performance, employee relations, talent and development.
- Some experience building or improving People processes, programmes or ways of working, rather than only operating established ones.
- Comfortable taking ownership and working autonomously, while knowing when to ask for support.
- Curious and keen to learn, with an interest in broadening your experience as the company scales.
- Practical and willing to get into the detail.
- Able to bring structure to something that isn’t fully defined without needing everything mapped out for you.
- Clear, thoughtful communicator with good judgement.
- Comfortable working in an environment where priorities and processes will continue to evolve.
- Most importantly, you’re excited by the opportunity to learn through building. You’ll get exposure to a broad range of People work and the chance to take meaningful ownership, while working closely with an experienced People team as Applied Computing grows.
People Partner in London employer: Applied Computing
Applied Computing is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability. As a People Partner, you'll play a crucial role in shaping our People practices while enjoying autonomy and support from a collaborative team. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to meaningful work, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-paced, scaling organisation dedicated to transforming the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Applied Computing!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Applied Computing.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Applied Computing. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Applied Computing and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Applied Computing. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Applied Computing's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Applied Computing
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Applied Computing.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Applied Computing will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Applied Computing and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
