People Partner

This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.

Building the Opera Company of the future.

We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fuelled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional People Partner to support the Head of People and Culture in delivering transformation of payroll and People & Culture systems and operations, partnering with managers and stakeholders contributing to the overall strategy and implementation of the People and Culture Strategy.

To lead the implementation and delivery of People & Culture and payroll processes and systems and to manage a small People & Culture operations team. Also, to oversee the day-to-day operation of the People & Culture team, providing direction, advice and guidance in line with employment legislation, company policies and procedures covering all aspects of the employee lifecycle.

• A team player with the ability to build strong relationships with team members and offer guidance to junior colleagues.
• A practical understanding and experience in key People & Culture processes and practice.
• A proven background in driving change.
• A proven ability to build partnerships with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proactive and innovative.
• Demonstrates a commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Experience of HRIS and payroll system implementation.
• Sound working knowledge of payroll mechanisms and systems.
• CIPD qualified or relevant experience in a generalist People & Culture role.
• Experience of leading complex ER cases.
• Knowledge and experience of working in a unionised environment.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workload of self and a team.
• Ability to perform consistently under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Understanding of GDPR legislation.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Flexible and adaptable; hardworking and energetic.
• Ability to work alone and under own initiative as well as in a team.
• Experience of iTrent payroll and HR system.
• Experience of People & Culture change management including restructuring, TUPE and job evaluation.
• Good working knowledge of the arts, preferably opera, musicians and theatre.
• Welsh language speaker/writer.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments

WNO is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email recruitment@wno.org.uk . We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.