At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with HR expertise and drive people initiatives for a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Join Athena Care Homes, a family-owned business known for exceptional care and compassion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, Blue Light Card discounts, and a supportive induction.
- Other info: Full-time role with travel across East Anglia and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding sector while balancing operational HR and strategic projects.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or working towards it, with strong HR generalist experience and UK employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 € per year.
We are seeking a solutions-focused, high-calibre People Partner to join the Athena People Team. You will be instrumental in ensuring operational excellence across our homes, providing the expert guidance our Home Managers need to confidently lead their teams, manage risk, and deliver the Exceptional Care & Experience that Athena is known for.
About Athena Care Homes
Athena Care Homes is an award-winning, family-owned business operating seven residential nursing homes in East Anglia where care and compassion runs through to our very core. At Athena we celebrate everyone as an individual. Whether that’s delivering authentic care, supporting our team to make moments for our residents and their loved ones, or learning and growing together.
About The Role
As a trusted People Partner, you will provide comprehensive HR support across a range of areas including employee relations, organisational development, performance management, change management, and people strategy initiatives. You will play a key role in supporting managers through complex people matters while also contributing to wider strategic projects that enhance employee experience, engagement, and organisational effectiveness. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing operational HR with strategic project work in a rewarding and purpose-driven sector.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm.
Salary: £55,000 per annum.
Location: Central Support Office, Southfields Business Park, Hornsby Way, Laindon, SS15 6TF. This is a full-time office-based role with travel to our care homes as and when needed.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide expert HR advice and support to managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, and performance cases.
- Partner with care home leadership teams to deliver practical people solutions that support operational and organisational goals.
- Lead and support People initiatives and projects aligned to the wider People Strategy, including engagement, talent, and organisational development.
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and UK employment law across assigned homes.
- Support positive workplace culture through coaching, change management, performance support, and employee engagement initiatives.
Training, Skills & Experience Required
Essential Experience: You must hold CIPD Level 7 (or be actively working towards it) and have a proven track record as a high-level HR generalist or specialist, confidently managing complex ER end-to-end. In-depth, current knowledge of UK employment law is non-negotiable. Experience in the Care Sector or a multi-site operational environment is a significant advantage.
The Right Mindset: You are intensely pragmatic and solutions-focused, able to balance immediate operational needs with necessary risk mitigation. You must be an effective coach and communicator, able to build immediate credibility with operational leaders. You are resilient and maintain a calm, professional approach during sensitive, high-pressure situations. A Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as this is a regional role requiring some travel to all sites across East Anglia.
What We Can Offer
- A warm and thorough induction to help you feel confident, connected, and supported from day one.
- A competitive salary, reflecting the value and expertise you bring to our team.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, giving you time to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most.
- Free Blue Light Card membership with access to a wide range of discounts and savings.
- A generous Refer-a-Friend scheme, because great people know great people and we love welcoming them to Athena.
HR People Partner in Basildon employer: Athena Care Homes (UK) Ltd
Athena Care Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees while delivering outstanding care in a compassionate environment. With a strong focus on individual growth, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to operational excellence, Athena offers a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and unique benefits like Blue Light Card membership and a Refer-a-Friend scheme. Join us at our Central Support Office in Laindon, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR People Partner in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work in care homes. They might have insider info on job openings or even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Athena Care Homes thoroughly. Understand their values and how they deliver exceptional care. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common HR interview questions, focusing on your experience with employee relations and performance management. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Athena family.
We think you need these skills to ace HR People Partner in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR People Partner role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Athena!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for people management and how you can contribute to our exceptional care ethos. Let us know why you're excited about joining the Athena family.
Showcase Your Solutions-Focused Mindset:In your application, emphasise your pragmatic approach to problem-solving. We’re looking for someone who can balance operational needs with strategic initiatives, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athena Care Homes (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced in the care sector, as this will show that you're not just a generalist but someone who understands the unique environment of Athena Care Homes.
✨Showcase Your Solutions-Focused Mindset
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex employee relations issues or implemented effective people strategies. Highlight how you balanced operational needs with risk management to deliver practical solutions.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Skills
Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and supporting managers. Think of scenarios where you've helped leaders build credibility and improve team performance, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Athena's People Strategy and how you can contribute to enhancing employee experience and engagement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
