At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, support employee relations, and shape company culture at Kato.
- Company: Join Kato, a fast-growing PropTech company revolutionising commercial property.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, generous leave, healthcare, and training support.
- Other info: Enjoy a casual dress code, free snacks, and vibrant office culture.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a dynamic startup environment with real impact on people strategy.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong employee relations skills, and a hands-on mentality.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
About the role
Who are we?
Kato is a fast-growing Prop Tech company, backed by top-tier VCs, investors, and industry experts.
Our mission is to revolutionise commercial property through our all-in-one online platform and extensive industry data.
We’re just getting started and are seeking dynamic, confident individuals to join our journey and help shape the future of commercial property.
Role overview
To own and define what great HR looks like at Kato.
Partnering with the business to lead the people function; including employee relations, policy and process, and talent attraction and management - while acting as a trusted operator to the senior and executive team during our scaling journey.
Responsibilities
- Business partnering
- Act as the trusted HR partner, working directly with line managers across the business on performance, conduct, capability and team dynamics.
- Provide employee relations support through the full employee lifecycle, ensuring consistency and compliance across the business.
- Coach managers to support employees, handle people issues, building line-manager capability and skillset.
- Defining HR at Kato
- Set the HR strategy, principles for Kato. You will be establishing what “HR brilliance” means in practice for the business and our stage of growth.
- Review or design, document and roll out core policies, processes and handbooks.
- Own the people-related elements of engagement and culture, including pulse surveys, listening groups and manager forums.
- Owning the HR systems, data and reporting Kato needs.
- Talent management & attraction
- Define employer branding, hiring process design, and recruitment partner management.
- Own our talent management process, including career frameworks, performance and development.
- Owning the Kato employee benefits programme to ensure all staff have a competitive programme.
- Driving the Kato L&D programme and building opportunities for employees. You’ll work with leaders across the business to plan and design training programmes.
- Senior operator & exec partnership
- Work alongside senior leaders as the voice of the people agenda, contributing to broader business decisions, not just HR ones.
- Advise the Executive team on workforce planning, organisational design and the people implications of business decisions.
- Work with external partners to represent Kato on employment law, regulatory and best-practice matters.
What we're looking for
We want to ensure a great fit for both you and us, so we look for a few key qualities in all our team members:
- Excited for each step of the journey you are about to embark on
- Up for the challenge of a startup environment which is on a growth trajectory
- Strong work ethic and the ability to work as part of a team
- Adaptable to new and different challenges and ways of working
- Keen to take ownership of your work and responsibilities
- Tech-savvy
- A problem solver with a knack of picking things up and running with them
- Ability to work under pressure and multi-task
- Positive and empathetic
- A keep it simple attitude; working efficiently to enhance productivity
- Pro-active, interested in more than a ‘typical’ office job
Experience
We’re committed to building a diverse team with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The following skills and experiences will help you succeed in this role:
- Proven generalist HR professional, ideally having built or significantly shaped an HR function in a business of comparable size, ideally in a scaling business.
- Strong employee relations - comfortable running complex, sensitive cases personally, not just overseeing them.
- Track record operating as a genuine business partner to line managers, and credible enough to work with senior management and challenge constructively.
- Hands-on mentality: someone who will drive development of process, programmes and policies themselves.
- Experience with talent attraction and workforce planning in a growing or change-oriented business.
- Resilient, discreet and calm under pressure.
Compensation and benefits
- We’re asking a lot of you, so it’s only fair that we give something back:
- Enrollment into the company bonus scheme
- Enrollment into the company share scheme
- 25 days annual leave
- Extra “life” days; a duvet day, a life-event day, your birthday off
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policy
- Healthcare package (including Dental & Optical care)
- Training & support provided
- Enrolment in our company pension plan
- Option for 2 days to WFH
- Casual dress code
- Snazzy offices with free snacks and drinks
- Summer & Christmas parties, plus ad hoc social events
People Partner employer: Kato
At Kato, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of growth, creativity, and collaboration. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while ensuring meaningful in-person interactions, and our commitment to employee development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and supportive environment. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a vibrant office atmosphere in London, Kato offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative journey in the commercial property sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner
✨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 Kato!
✨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 Kato.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner
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 Kato. 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 Kato 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 Kato. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Kato'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 Kato
✨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 Kato.
✨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 Kato 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 Kato and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
