At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a strategic HR partner, shaping high-performing teams and driving people initiatives.
- Company: Join Relay Therapeutics, a pioneering company in drug discovery with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on modernising HR processes and enhancing organisational effectiveness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience while supporting innovative healthcare solutions.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in HR, preferably in biotech or clinical settings, with strong coaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Position Summary
The Associate Director, Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a trusted advisor to leaders across Research and General & Administrative (G&A) functions, partnering to build high-performing teams and enable organizational effectiveness.
This role provides strategic and day-to-day HR business partnership while helping drive and evolve Relay Therapeutics people strategy as the organization continues to grow.
Reporting to the Senior Director, HR Business Partner, this individual will independently support client groups across Research and G&A, provide day-to-day HRBP support to Clinical Development as needed, and lead the execution of key enterprise-wide talent initiatives, including performance management, talent management, employee engagement, and other core people programs.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing strategic partnership with execution and is excited to help shape how HR scales alongside the business.
Key Responsibilities
- HR Business Partnership
- Serve as the primary HR Business Partner for designated Research and G&A groups, building strong relationships with leaders and employees.
- Partner with leaders to develop organizational strategies that support business objectives and foster high-performing teams.
- Coach managers and leaders on performance management, employee relations, leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, and organizational change.
- Support workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, and talent development efforts.
- Partner closely with Talent Acquisition to develop hiring strategies and ensure an exceptional candidate and onboarding experience.
- Leverage people data and insights to identify trends, recommend actions, and improve organizational effectiveness.
- Clinical Development Support
- Partner with the Senior Director, HRBP to provide day-to-day HR support for the Clinical Development organization.
- Collaborate on organizational initiatives, leadership coaching, talent discussions, and employee matters within the Clinical Development function.
- People Program Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness
- Partner with HR leadership to continuously evolve Relay's people strategy and programs to support the company's growth and changing business needs
- Lead the execution and continuous improvement of Relay's core people programs, including:
- Performance Management
- Talent Reviews & Succession Planning
- Quarterly Pulse Surveys and Action Planning
- Employee Development initiatives
- Identify opportunities to modernize and innovate HR processes, ensuring people programs remain scalable, effective, and aligned with Relay’s culture.
- Partner cross-functionally with HR Operations to deliver a seamless employee experience.
- Change Management, Employee Experience & Culture
- Support organizational change initiatives through thoughtful planning, communication, and leader coaching.
- Champion Relay's values and culture by fostering an inclusive, engaging, and high-performing work environment.
- Help identify and implement new ideas that strengthen employee experience as the company continues to scale.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or HR certification preferred.
- 8+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant HR Business Partner experience supporting scientific or clinical-stage organizations.
- Experience partnering with leaders in biotech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other highly regulated environments preferred.
- Demonstrated success coaching leaders and influencing across all organizational levels.
- Strong knowledge of talent management, organizational design, employee development, performance management, and change management.
- Experience leading enterprise-wide HR programs and driving process improvements.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data to inform recommendations.
- What Success Looks Like
- Trusted advisor to leaders across Research, G&A, and Clinical Development.
- Delivers scalable, high-impact people programs that enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Coaches leaders to build engaged, high-performing teams.
- Drives thoughtful organizational planning and talent strategies that support business growth.
- Brings forward innovative ideas that continuously improve the employee experience and help the HR function evolve alongside the organization
Estimated Salary Range : [$139,000 - $199,000].
The range provided above is based on what we believe to be a reasonable estimate for this job at the time of posting.
Actual base salary will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate’s education, experience, skills and location.
- #BP1
- About Relay Therapeutics
Relay Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision medicines company transforming the drug discovery process with the goal of bringing life-changing therapies to patients.
Built on unparalleled insights into protein motion and how this dynamic behavior relates to protein function, we aim to effectively drug protein targets that have previously been intractable, with an initial focus on enhancing small molecule therapeutic discovery in targeted oncology.
Our Dynamo platform integrates an array of leading-edge experimental and computational approaches to provide a differentiated understanding of protein structure and motion to drug these targets.
We have built a world-class team of leading experts from each of these disciplines, and they are driven by a deep collaboration at every step of our drug discovery process.
Our team is equal parts fearless and relentless, with a shared passion for working collaboratively in intellectually stimulating environments.
If you’re excited by the challenge of putting protein motion at the heart of drug discovery and passionate about making a difference in the lives of patients, join us!
Associate Director, People Business Partner in Cambridge employer: Relay Therapeutics
Relay Therapeutics is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment, perfect for those passionate about transforming drug discovery. As a Clinical Project Associate, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful clinical trials while benefiting from a culture that values innovation, employee growth, and strong teamwork. With competitive salaries and a commitment to professional development, Relay Therapeutics stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, People Business Partner in Cambridge
✨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 Relay Therapeutics!
✨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 Relay Therapeutics.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, People Business Partner in Cambridge
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 Relay Therapeutics. 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 Relay Therapeutics 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 Relay Therapeutics. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Relay Therapeutics'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 Relay Therapeutics
✨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 Relay Therapeutics.
✨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 Relay Therapeutics 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 Relay Therapeutics and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
