At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to shape people strategies and drive business performance.
- Company: Join Arup, a diverse and innovative company shaping a better world.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, health benefits, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding leaders through complex people decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic HR roles and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 180000 £ per year.
Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. The Senior People Business Partner (BP) plays a critical role in operationalizing the People Plan by connecting Arup's business strategy to the day‐to‐day realities of the business. This role ensures that people priorities are translated into clear decisions and actions that enable business performance and delivery of strategy. The BP partners closely with leaders to drive outcomes across workforce planning, capability development, and member experience. Acting as a trusted advisor, the BP brings insight, sound judgement, and deep people expertise to guide leaders through complex decisions, ensuring alignment with both business priorities and Arup's values. This is a highly impactful role requiring credibility with senior stakeholders, the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations, and a strong focus on delivering effective, business‐led people outcomes.
The Opportunity
- Partner with leaders to shape decisions on performance, capability, organisation, and culture
- Translate business priorities into clear, actionable people plans that drive measurable outcomes
- Support workforce planning to ensure the right capability, capacity, and deployment of talent
- Provide thoughtful challenge and commercially grounded guidance to support informed decision‐making
- Build leadership capability through coaching, influence, and continuous feedback
Shaping People Decisions & Outcomes
- Lead cyclical people processes (talent, performance, reward, and workforce planning) to drive strong performance and a healthy feedback culture
- Facilitate key moments such as talent reviews, succession planning, and performance discussions
- Enable fair, consistent, and commercially sound decisions on pay, progression, and performance
- Apply global frameworks and tools in a way that reflects local business context
Integrating the People Plan
- Deliver integrated, forward‐looking advice across performance, reward, engagement, employee relations, learning, and inclusion
- Use data, insight, and experience to diagnose organisational challenges and identify priorities
- Shape a high‐quality, consistent member experience across the employee lifecycle
- Guide leaders through complex and sensitive people matters with sound judgement and care
- Identify risks, trends, and opportunities, and partner with leaders to address them proactively
What Success Looks Like
- Leaders view the BP as a trusted, credible partner in decision‐making
- People priorities are clearly aligned to business strategy and performance
- Talent, performance, and reward outcomes are consistent, robust, and well‐managed
- Complex people matters are handled with sound judgement, balancing experience and risk
- Demonstrable improvements in leadership capability, engagement, and organisational effectiveness
- Strong ownership of people outcomes within the business, supported by the right use of expertise
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you?
- Proven experience operating in a Business Partner or similar strategic HR role supporting clients in different countries
- Demonstrated ability to influence and build credibility with senior leaders
- Strong judgement and experience handling complex and sensitive people matters
- Experience leading or supporting core people processes (e.g., talent reviews, performance, succession)
- Ability to translate business strategy into actionable people plans
- Strong analytical and problem‐solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions
- Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management capabilities
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup's legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‐cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact nick.newell@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Hiring Range - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in New York City is 150,000 to 180,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of New York City will differ.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.
EOE-Protected Veterans/Disability
Senior People Partner in London employer: Arup
Arup is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that shape a better world. With a strong focus on personal growth, competitive rewards, and a commitment to diversity, Arup offers its members the opportunity to engage in socially impactful work, supported by comprehensive benefits and a unique profit-sharing model. Located in New York City, this role as a Senior People Partner not only allows for professional development but also positions you at the heart of a company dedicated to innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Partner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Arup’s values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills and experiences, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Partner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior People Partner role. Highlight your experience in strategic HR and how it aligns with Arup's values and business strategy. We want to see how you can connect the dots!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the outcomes you've achieved. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence leaders and drive people outcomes. We love seeing measurable results!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. Arup values individuality, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives. We’re looking for genuine connections!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of your journey with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Arup's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding how the Senior People Partner role aligns with their business strategy will help you articulate your insights and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully influenced senior leaders or navigated complex people matters. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
As a Senior People Partner, you'll need to build leadership capability. Be ready to discuss your coaching experiences and how you've helped others develop. Highlight your approach to giving constructive feedback and fostering a healthy feedback culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the challenges Arup faces. Inquire about their current people priorities or how they measure success in this position. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their goals.
