At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HR initiatives and provide expert guidance on people matters.
- Company: Join a leading engineering partner with a focus on innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the workplace and supporting diverse teams.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, with experience in people management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Overview
Contract Type: Permanent, Full or Part Time (4 days per week)
Location: Shoreham-on-Sea
Role ID: 2026 – 3408
About Ricardo
Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We collaborate with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production. Our manufacturing business has world-class expertise in niche volume, high quality manufacturing and assembly programmes, complex supply chain management, industrialising innovation, and niche new product introduction. This expertise is developed over decades of experience in the most demanding automotive, motorsport, defence, and aerospace sectors.
The Role
We are seeking a Senior People Partner to join our HR community, effectively partnering with our business to achieve commercially sound and pragmatic solutions whilst working to balance the needs of people with the needs of the business. You will provide HR expertise and address a wide range of associated people matters in accordance with best practice methodology, internal compliance and legal requirements. A problem solver with the autonomy to drive improvements and develop innovative solutions to challenges, you will be a subject matter expert with strong business acumen and the ability to influence and communicate at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide HR expertise to the business and address a wide range of associated people matters in accordance with best practice methodology, internal compliance and legal requirements.
- Work in partnership with senior managers in business area, understanding the key performance issues, objectives and drivers and proactively driving people initiatives.
- Champion HR initiatives across the business unit, gaining acceptance from key stakeholders.
- Challenge and coach line managers on how to engage employees, address any performance issues and build people capabilities effectively.
- Lead on change management programmes, ensuring legal compliance, and with the aim of positively influencing employee engagement.
- Responsible for development and ongoing review of policies and processes, providing guidance to HR colleagues on interpretation and application.
- Support the design of HR policies, projects, methodologies and solutions that encourage greater co-ordination and consistency.
- Develop subject matter expertise on a range of people-related and compliance matters, including IR35, international assignment approach, visa-related compliance, Job Evaluation and pay progression.
- Leading and supporting a range of HR projects as required, ensuring effective and professional delivery.
- Providing guidance and mentorship to other members of the HR team.
Key Competencies and Experience
- Experienced in the range of people practices across the employee lifecycle to enable effective management of people processes.
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of the impact of good people management upon business results.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams and Sharepoint.
- CIPD qualified to level 7 or equivalent.
Desirable
- Change management process and application experience.
- Project management experience.
Working here
You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place. We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on. Your knowledge and desire to bring about change will be invaluable in helping deliver innovative solutions that support communities across the globe in becoming safer and more sustainable.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro-actively with all our employees and to ensure an inclusive culture, we are recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Partner in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨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 Ricardo!
✨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 Ricardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Partner in Shoreham-by-Sea
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 Ricardo. 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 Ricardo 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 Ricardo. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ricardo'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 Ricardo
✨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 Ricardo.
✨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 Ricardo 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 Ricardo and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
