At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with HR advice and lead people initiatives for operational excellence.
- Company: Award-winning, family-owned care home business focused on compassion and individual care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, Blue Light Card discounts, and a friendly work environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and travel across beautiful East Anglia.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your HR skills in a rewarding sector.
- 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 whether that’s 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, building immediate credibility with operational leaders. 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
Athena Care Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises care and compassion, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and a Blue Light Card for discounts. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents while enjoying a fulfilling career in a family-owned business dedicated to excellence.
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 current or former employees at Athena Care Homes on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common HR scenarios. Think about how you'd handle complex employee relations issues or support managers in delivering exceptional care. We want to see your solutions-focused mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your CIPD Level 7 knowledge during interviews. Be ready to discuss how your expertise in UK employment law can help Athena maintain operational excellence and a positive workplace culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in 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 Care Homes!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for HR and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your understanding of UK employment law and your experience in the care sector, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex people issues in the past. We love solutions-focused candidates who can balance operational needs with strategic thinking, so let us know how you've done this!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Athena!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athena Care Homes
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Being able to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully managed complex employee relations will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but you can apply it in real situations.
✨Showcase Your Solutions-Focused Mindset
Athena is looking for someone who can balance operational needs with risk management. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've identified a problem and implemented a practical solution. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively.
✨Connect with Their Values
Athena Care Homes prides itself on care and compassion. During the interview, share your own values and how they align with theirs. Discuss experiences where you've contributed to a positive workplace culture or enhanced employee engagement, as this will resonate well with their mission.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think about what you want to know regarding the role and the company culture. Asking insightful questions about their people strategy initiatives or how they support managers through complex people matters will show your genuine interest in the position and help you assess if it's the right fit for you.
