At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach leaders, manage employee relations, and enhance workplace culture at Paddle UK.
- Company: Join Paddle UK, the governing body for Paddlesports, in a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible dress code, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and organisational success.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and a strong grasp of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham (Office-based 2–3 days per week)
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
Closing date: 23rd August 2026
Provide trusted advice, coach our leaders, and champion an exceptional employee experience across the organisation. Paddle UK is seeking a collaborative and supportive People Partner to join our People team. In this varied and high-impact role, you will contribute to the delivery of a high-performing People function that directly supports our organisational goals and workplace culture. You will act as a trusted advisor to our managers, providing expert coaching on everything from employee relations and performance management to talent acquisition and wellbeing. By ensuring consistency, legal compliance, and fairness, you will play a crucial role in shaping a positive and inclusive lifecycle for every employee.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Partnering: Coach and partner with managers to strengthen their people management capability, providing expert guidance on performance, wellbeing, and change management.
- Employee Relations: Lead the management of casework, including disciplinary, grievance, and capability matters ensuring resolutions align with legislation and our organisational values.
- Absence Management: Coordinate short and long-term sickness management, facilitating occupational health referrals and advising managers on supportive return-to-work interventions.
- Talent Acquisition: Coordinate inclusive recruitment activities, supporting managers with workforce planning and role design to attract top talent.
- People Operations & Compliance: Oversee employment contracts, employee data integrity within PeopleHR, and supervise the People Assistant in delivering casual workforce compliance and monthly payroll/pension administration.
- Policy & Projects: Support the review and implementation of People policies and actively contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on employee engagement and wellbeing.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated People professional who loves balancing operational delivery with strategic coaching. You will join a team that values:
- Dynamic Scope: A diverse, fast-paced workload where no two days are the same, spanning generalist operational guidance, talent acquisition, and strategic project delivery.
- Meaningful Support: The chance to directly identify capability requirements and provide the additional support our teams need to hit their goals.
- Collaborative Success: An environment that relies on a range of internal and external information sources to make effective, well-judged decisions.
About You
We are looking for an experienced People professional with the skills and vision to enhance both our team and the wider organisation. You will bring solid ER casework experience, a strong grasp of UK employment law, and superb stakeholder skills to coach managers and resolve conflict constructively. Well-organised and proficient with HR systems, you excel at balancing inclusive recruitment, generalist advice, and operational priorities. A CIPD Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience) is highly desirable.
About Us
Paddle UK is the governing body for Paddlesports. We have had many advances in our sport and paddling now covers a wide range of interests and passions as a sport and a leisure activity for all. We want to support and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of paddling regardless of their age, background or ability. We recognise the contribution our employees make and think these benefits reflect our appreciation:
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
- Free onsite parking and bike storage
- Company pension scheme
- Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts)
To find out more about Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit our Careers Centre.
People Partner employer: Paddle UK
Paddle UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in content creation, all while promoting the joy of paddling in a supportive community. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working closely with passionate individuals dedicated to inspiring others to embrace outdoor activities.
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 Paddle UK!
✨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 Paddle UK.
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 Paddle UK. 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 Paddle UK 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 Paddle UK. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Paddle UK'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 Paddle UK
✨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 Paddle UK.
✨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 Paddle UK 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 Paddle UK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
