At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in People Operations for military and elite athletes transitioning careers.
- Company: Join a FTSE100 organisation with a focus on innovation and support.
- Benefits: £50,000 salary, flexible working, dedicated mentor, and access to employee networks.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and support from ex-military communities.
- Why this job: Gain real project experience and make a difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and ability to lead change.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
People Operations Lead – Military & Elite Athlete Talent Placement Programme (September 2026 Intake)
12‑month Fixed Term Contract (potential to roll into a permanent role). Hybrid (remote with occasional office travel across the UK). Supports military and elite athlete transitions into a new career.
Responsibilities- Lead and deliver critical People Operations transformation and high‑quality operational leadership across core HR services.
- Transform the operating model: design and implement the Future People Operations model; translate strategy into practical processes; drive standardisation, governance and ownership.
- Lead Technology & Process Transformation: delivery of People Operations technology changes; simplify and digitise colleague and manager journeys; embed automation, workflow consistency and data insight.
- Operational Delivery & ER Capability Build: provide leadership across day‑to‑day People Operations activities; establish and operationalise a central Investigations Team; strengthen ER case handling, governance and consistency.
- Experience in HR / People Operations / ER environments.
- Operational delivery in complex organisations.
- Strong process design and improvement capability.
- Ability to translate strategy into practical delivery and lead change in ambiguous environments.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- High levels of ownership, accountability and resilience.
- Experience operating in structured, high‑accountability environments.
- Leading teams through change or transformation.
- Problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.
- Ability to work across multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Interest in People transformation and technology & operational improvement.
- Real project & transformation experience within a FTSE100 organisation.
- £50,000 salary for the 12‑month placement.
- Dedicated business mentor to build commercial skills.
- Flexible working and travel to office locations only for collaboration.
- Access to Employee Networks.
- Buddy support from Ex‑Military or Athlete communities.
- Mentor, senior‑leader interactions and support to settle into the role.
- Service leavers can begin placement during the final four resettlement weeks.
- Application deadline: midnight Friday 26th June 2026.
- Screening interviews (online): June – mid July 2026.
- Business area interviews (face‑to‑face): July and August 2026 at one of our office locations.
- Placement start date: Wednesday 30th September 2026 (must be able to start).
Military & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – People Operations Lead in Windsor employer: Centrica Plc
As a leading FTSE100 organisation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions the transition of military and elite athletes into rewarding careers. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and collaboration, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through dedicated mentorship, real project experience, and access to extensive networks. Join us to be part of a transformative journey where your skills are valued and your contributions make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Military & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – People Operations Lead in Windsor
✨Get Involved with HR Communities
Join online HR communities like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or local HR meet-ups for valuable networking. These are great places to connect with seasoned professionals and fellow interns who might know about placement opportunities.
✨Maximise Your University Career Services
Utilise your university's career services for placement opportunities. They often have partnerships with companies looking to hire students, so leverage that to get the inside track on openings at places like Centrica Plc.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
In HR, soft skills like communication and empathy are critical. In your interviews, share stories that highlight these skills, and don’t forget to mention any relevant volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your people skills.
✨Tailor Your Application for Each Company
Every company has its own culture and values. Research Centrica Plc thoroughly and reflect this understanding in your interviews or conversations. Showing that you fit into their culture can make a significant difference in landing your placement.
We think you need these skills to ace Military & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – People Operations Lead in Windsor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your people skills:In the HR world, your ability to connect with people is key! When writing your cover letter, give examples of how you've handled team dynamics or resolved conflicts. Even if it’s from uni projects or part-time jobs, let us see you in action!
Highlight Relevant Studies and Projects:If you've taken any specific courses or have done projects related to HR, seriously brag about them in your CV! Mention key topics you've studied, like recruitment strategies or employee engagement, as they show you're already invested in the field.
Tailor Your Documents to HR Language:Use relevant HR jargon in your CV and cover letter. Words like 'talent acquisition', 'employee relations', and 'performance management' will make your application stand out as it signals that you know your stuff in the HR world!
Share Your Career Aspirations:As this is a placement, we want to see your motivation to learn and grow in the HR field. Use your cover letter to describe why you're passionate about HR and how this placement at Centrica Plc aligns with your career goals. Show us your enthusiasm!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica Plc
✨Get Familiar with HR Tools
Since you're aiming for a role in human resources, it’s super beneficial to be familiar with HR software like Workday or BambooHR. If you can, brush up on how these tools work as you'll likely be asked about them during your interview at Centrica Plc.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As an HR intern, your ability to connect with people is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in group projects or volunteer work—where you had to handle conflicts or support team members. This'll show that you can translate theory into practice, which is crucial for us when we look for placements.
✨Understand the Latest HR Trends
Keep yourself updated on current trends in the HR field, like diversity and inclusion practices or remote work strategies. Bring up these topics during your interview to show your enthusiasm and awareness of the industry changes; it can set you apart at Centrica Plc.
✨Craft Your Learning Story
Since this is a placement, the focus should be on your motivation and willingness to learn. Be ready to share why you’re excited about joining Centrica Plc and what specific skills you hope to gain. This will help us see your potential and fit for the team.
