At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and evolve people processes, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Company: Join a fast-growing tech company revolutionising advertising with Generative AI.
- Benefits: 25 days PTO, health insurance, wellness stipend, and remote work flexibility.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and leadership as the company scales.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping a people-first culture at an innovative company.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in UK employment law and experience building people infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Pencil
At Pencil, we are driving innovation in advertising technology through our state‐of‐the‐art SaaS product, which harnesses Generative AI to redefine content creation. Our mission is to make AI the default in advertising without replacing creative people. To achieve this, we need to make sure that our technology isn't just in the hands of big brands — we need to help global enterprises transform how marketing and creative operations work at scale.
We're solving real problems for people teams at scale, and we're hiring our first Senior People Partner to build world‐class people leadership from the ground up.
The opportunity: We're 100+ employees, scaling fast, and our leadership team deeply values people. We've invested in great tools (HiBob, Ashby & Claude). We have stood up version one of a number of People processes — you will own and improve these. You must be a builder — you naturally review processes and make sure they are fit for purpose, always looking for ways to improve them both from an efficiency and employee‐experience perspective.
You're a builder by nature. You review processes, spot what's not fit for purpose, and fix it with both efficiency and employee‐experience in mind. You'll own performance management, manager development, and talent retention. Part coach, part strategist, part operator. Your challenge: take the signals we're seeing and turn them into systems and culture that move the needle.
Responsibilities
- Own the full performance cycle – 360s, reviews, calibrations, and comp rounds
- Coach and develop our managers, from new team leads to senior leaders
- Lead employee relations: tough conversations, PIPs, and exits handled with care and clarity
- Own and evolve our people infrastructure: onboarding, HRIS (HiBob), policies, and handbook
- Partner with the leadership team on org design, headcount, and talent strategy
- Drive retention and succession planning – identify flight risks early and build plans that work
- Lead culture and engagement initiatives; we're open to novel formats and experimental approaches
- Keep us compliant with UK employment law and evolving HR regulation
What We're Looking For
Must‐Have
- Deep expertise in UK employment law and employee relations
- Experience building people infrastructure at a growing company
- Comfort with tough conversations and coaching teams to excel (or exit)
- Ability to think strategically and execute tactically
Nice‐to‐Have
- Product company background (SaaS strongly preferred)
- High‐scale startup (50–300 people) + larger established company experience
- Hands‐on HRIS experience (HiBob a bonus) – comfortable owning data integrity, adoption, and new features
- International hiring / EOR experience
- Distributed/remote team experience
Our Values
- Fast: we move quickly and make decisions with the information we have
- Surprising: we look for better ways, not the obvious ones
- Simple: we cut complexity; clarity is a feature
- Human: we build for people, and we treat people well
- Owners: we take responsibility and see things through
Why Pencil
- We've stood up v1 of most processes, but these will become yours to own and evolve, not just maintain
- The leadership team has real conviction about people; you'll have a seat at the table, not a service desk
- We use AI seriously, including in our own people processes
- Novel performance formats, culture experiments, AI‐led initiatives – we back new ideas when they're grounded
- This role has a clear path to leading a team as we grow
Benefits
- 25 days PTO plus public holidays, although we operate a Flexible Time Off scheme
- Health insurance / private medical cover
- Monthly stipend towards wellness, fitness, and learning and development
- Remote – work from anywhere in your home country
- Enhanced parental leave policies, whether you become a parent through birth, adoption or surrogacy
- Access to our Pencil office in The Shard, London for our UK employees
- Flexible working hours
People Partner in London employer: Pencil
At Pencil, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that values our people as much as our technology. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a culture that encourages creativity and experimentation, we offer a dynamic work environment where you can truly make an impact. Our comprehensive benefits, including flexible working hours, health insurance, and a focus on wellness, ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally, all while being part of a fast-scaling company at the forefront of advertising technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner in 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 Pencil!
✨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 Pencil.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner in 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 Pencil. 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 Pencil 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 Pencil. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Pencil'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 Pencil
✨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 Pencil.
✨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 Pencil 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 Pencil and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
