At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment, manage payroll, and provide HR advice across the organisation.
- Company: Established professional membership organisation in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people management and improve HR processes.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5, strong iTrent experience, and generalist HR skills.
Salary: £43,000 to £45,000
Contract: Fixed term contract until the end of May 2027
Location: Central London
Hybrid working: One day per week in the office
Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 25 September 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Merrifield Consultants is delighted to be partnering with an established professional membership organisation to recruit an Interim People and Talent Partner.
This is a broad and hands-on HR role with clear areas of ownership:
- Lead recruitment across the organisation: Partner with hiring managers to review roles, shape job descriptions and run fair, effective recruitment processes. You will oversee candidate attraction, selection, appointments and the applicant tracking system, while building productive relationships with recruitment agencies and other suppliers.
- Own the monthly payroll process: Lead, review and authorise payroll for the organisation. You will resolve queries, coordinate with internal colleagues and external providers, and ensure information is complete, accurate and submitted on time.
- Act as the iTrent expert: Provide specialist knowledge of iTrent, investigate system issues and help colleagues use the platform effectively. You will maintain the quality and confidentiality of employee data while supporting improvements and future systems change.
- Advise and coach managers: Provide clear guidance on employee relations, absence, performance, disciplinary matters, grievances, flexible working and family leave.
- Improve people services: Contribute to projects covering employee engagement, wellbeing, organisational change and the continuous improvement of HR systems and processes.
About you
You will be an experienced generalist HR professional who can take ownership of a varied workload and provide trusted advice with minimal supervision. You will be comfortable moving between recruitment, payroll, systems work and complex conversations with managers.
You will need:
- A CIPD Level 5 qualification
- Strong practical experience of iTrent, with the confidence to resolve issues and act as an internal system expert
- Experience managing recruitment from role briefing and attraction through to selection and appointment
- Experience overseeing monthly payroll and resolving payroll queries
- Broad generalist HR experience, including advising managers on employee relations and people management matters
- Current knowledge of UK employment legislation and good HR practice
- The confidence to communicate, negotiate and influence at different levels
CIPD Level 5, recruitment, payroll and practical iTrent experience are essential for this appointment.
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 25 September 2026, with interviews taking place on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
To apply, please submit your application through Merrifield Consultants. For further information about the role, please contact the Merrifield Consultants team.
We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.
Interim People & Talent Partner in London employer: Merrifield Consultants
Merrifield Consultants is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a People Business Partner in London, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a purpose-led organisation, collaborating with senior leaders to enhance people services while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to diversity and continuous improvement, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to strategic initiatives and foster a positive colleague experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim People & Talent Partner in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Merrifield Consultants and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim People & Talent Partner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Merrifield Consultants. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merrifield Consultants
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Merrifield Consultants, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Merrifield Consultants uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Merrifield Consultants.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Merrifield Consultants.
