At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver people strategies in a dynamic arts environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a leading UK arts organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a creative workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while supporting diverse talent.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience, strong communication skills, and CIPD membership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Starting from £60,000 per annum based on skills and experience
Full time – 40 hours per week
Based in: Covent Garden, London
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
People are centre stage of everything we do at RBO, and our Human Resources department work across the organisation, ensuring that in every department we have the right people in place who are supported to deliver their work to their fullest capacity.
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join our team and help to shape and deliver our people strategies. Working within a cross functional and collaborative team, you will have a broad portfolio of departments to support from both a strategic and operational perspective. You will act as a trusted adviser, building strong working relationships with key senior stakeholders (Executive Team, senior leaders and Heads of Department), other HR leaders and our recognised unions.
You will have worked at a senior level in an equivalent complex organisation, working on complex employee relations matters and contributing to organisational change and workforce transformation. We’re looking for someone with demonstrable experience of coaching and developing others, with exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels. You will have a strong understanding of UK employment legislation and act as a subject matter expert, offering guidance on best practice.
Can you demonstrate any of the following:
- Significant senior HR business partnering experience in a complex organisation, ideally with an understanding of the arts, cultural, entertainment or similar sectors.
- Demonstrable experience leading complex employee relations matters and working collaboratively with trade unions.
- Proven experience delivering both strategic and operational HR interventions, with the ability to anticipate organisational needs and develop pragmatic solutions.
- Experience contributing to organisational change, cultural development and workforce transformation with commercial and financial awareness to support sustainable workforce planning.
- Excellent communication, coaching, negotiation and relationship building skills.
- Strong organisational and project management abilities, with capacity to manage competing demands in a busy and ever evolving environment.
Please reference CIPD Chartered Membership (or equivalent experience) and relevant degree level qualification in your application.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Tuesday 14th April 2026.
Interviews will take place over two stages, with the first stage online via MS Teams and the second stage in person at ROH Covent Garden.
To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Senior People Partner - WC2E 9DD in Heathrow employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, London, offering a unique opportunity to work within one of the UK's leading arts organisations. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers employees to thrive and grow professionally. Our focus on employee development, coupled with the chance to engage with world-class talent and contribute to transformative cultural experiences, makes this an inspiring place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Partner - WC2E 9DD in Heathrow
✨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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA!
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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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Partner - WC2E 9DD in Heathrow
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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. 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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA 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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA'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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA.
✨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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA 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 ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
