At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse HR projects, from employee relations to recruitment and policy shaping.
- Company: Established medical royal college in central London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, great pension, private healthcare, and investment in HR tech.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team that values emotional wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic HR role without micromanagement.
- Qualifications: Strong employee relations experience and ideally CIPD Level 5 qualified.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Here's an HR role that won't have you doing the same three things on repeat.
We're recruiting for a Senior People Officer on behalf of a well-established medical royal college in central London, the kind of organisation where "HR" still means the whole picture, not one slice of it.
If you've been the person managers actually come to when things get complicated, this one's worth five minutes of your time.
What's different about this one
Most senior HR roles at this level narrow you down to a specialism.
This one doesn't.
You'll own employee relations casework end to end from disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence, change, while also running recruitment, keeping an eye on payroll and benefits, and shaping the policies and projects that sit underneath all of it.
You report to the People and Culture Manager, but you'll work closely with the Director of People and Culture and senior leaders across the organisation, and you're trusted to use your own judgement to get there.
It's a small, close-knit People and Culture team.
No micromanagement, no waiting for sign-off on every call and no "HR for HR" either.
This is a team that's honest about the emotional weight of the work and looks after each other because of it.
- What you'll actually be doing
- Acting as the go-to on employment law, HR policy and people practice — advising managers and senior leaders with real authority, not just a policy link
- Leading complex ER casework independently: investigations, reports, risk calls, and coaching managers through it so they build their own confidence over time
- Running recruitment end to end, plus oversight of payroll and benefits administration
- Contributing to workforce planning, organisational development and change programmes
- Digging into workforce data and turning it into insight leadership can actually use
- Helping drive engagement, wellbeing and EDI initiatives — the employee experience is treated as core work, not an add-on
- What they're looking for
Someone with genuine, current employee relations depth, you should know the Employment Rights Bill cold, not just be aware it exists.
Ideally you've worked somewhere small or mid-sized, where there wasn't a separate ER function to hand things off to.
If your HR experience so far has been one corner of a large corporate machine with dedicated recruiters and a specialist ER team, this probably isn't the right fit.
If you've been the one holding the whole picture, it will feel very familiar.
CIPD Level 5 qualified (or close to it) is expected. Charity, membership body or healthcare/education sector experience is a bonus, not a requirement.
- Worth knowing
- Hybrid working — roughly one day a week in the office
- Great employer pension contribution, with an additional match available
- Private healthcare
- A function that's investing seriously in HR tech and process, not just adding headcount to paper over the cracks
- Real autonomy to run your own projects, not just execute someone else's
The organisation is genuinely growing, and the team has a track record of investing in the people who join them.
Senior People Officer in City of London employer: Cannon James
Cannon James is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to make a real impact in the healthcare sector. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have ample opportunities for growth while working alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to transforming radiology through AI. Located in the vibrant Southern UK, our team enjoys a collaborative environment that values creativity and initiative, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Officer in City of 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 Cannon James!
✨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 Cannon James.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Officer in City of 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 Cannon James. 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 Cannon James 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 Cannon James. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Cannon James'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 Cannon James
✨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 Cannon James.
✨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 Cannon James 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 Cannon James and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
