At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR strategy and partner with leaders across multiple locations.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing tech company redefining IT services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, gym membership, health cash plan, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in one of the UK's top tech success stories.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong understanding of employment law, and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.
The People Partner will play a critical role in delivering the people strategy across the organisation, providing HR support and partnering closely with key stakeholders across the Group. This role will support multiple sites and business areas, including our Technical Services office in Greece, ensuring consistent, commercially focused, and high-quality people support across all locations.
The People Partner is a newly created and exciting opportunity born out of our rapid and continued growth, with ambitious expansion plans already firmly in motion. As our organisation scales, we are strengthening our People team to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional support across all areas of the business and all locations.
We are proud to be a business that truly invests in its people. Internal progression is at the heart of our culture, and we have a strong track record of developing and promoting home-grown talent into senior roles across the organisation. This role offers significant opportunity for growth, development, and the chance to make a real impact as part of a fast-moving and evolving business.
Amongst other tasks, you will be responsible for:
- Strategic Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted People Partner to senior leaders and key stakeholders across the Group in multiple locations including London, Hemel Hempstead, Reading and Greece.
- Build strong relationships with business leaders to understand operational needs and deliver aligned people solutions.
- Support the delivery of the people strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Provide expert-level (Tier 3) HR advice and guidance on complex employee relations cases.
- Manage sensitive and high-risk cases including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management, and restructuring.
- Ensure all casework is managed in line with employment law, internal policies, and best practice.
- Coach and support on complex case escalation and development.
- Ensure alignment of people practices across different regions while considering local requirements where applicable.
- Use people data and analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities across the workforce.
- Organisational Change & Transformation
- Support and lead on change management initiatives including restructures, TUPE, and organisational design projects.
- Partner with leaders to embed change effectively and support employee engagement throughout transitions.
- Drive initiatives that improve performance, engagement, and retention.
Key Skills:
- Proven experience in a People Partner / HR Business Partner role.
- Strong background in complex employee relations case management.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law; international exposure desirable.
- Experience supporting organisational change and transformation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior level.
- CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above desirable).
- Commercially aware with strong business acumen.
- Collaborative, inclusive, and relationship-focused.
- Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
The successful candidate will have a willingness to undertake the responsibilities outlined in this job specification, while also being flexible and open to carrying out additional duties outside of this scope from time to time, in line with the evolving needs and priorities of the business.
Why Academia? At Academia, we are redefining the landscape of IT services across education, business, public sector and nonprofit sectors. As an innovative and rapidly expanding technology company, we’re not just a supplier—we’re a trusted partner to thousands of clients nationwide.
With over 20 years of expertise, double-digit growth, a team of 300+ professionals and revenues exceeding £150 million in FY26, we’ve earned a reputation as a top-tier IT solutions provider. Our dedication has been recognised with prestigious industry accolades, including the coveted CRN Reseller of the Year award.
Our ethos is simple: by delivering outstanding technology and ensuring it works seamlessly, we empower our clients to maximise their tech investments. Their IT success is our business.
We foster a culture rooted in our people, teamwork, innovation, integrity, ambition and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Backed by Strive Capital since 2020, we’re continuously expanding, exploring new frontiers with a strong financial and strategic foundation.
Our dedicated Lifecycle Services division exemplifies our promise to sustainability, offering comprehensive IT lifecycle solutions that reduce environmental impact.
At Academia, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll find an opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s most exciting tech success stories. If you’re passionate about technology, eager to make an impact and ready to grow with a dynamic, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information on opportunities with Academia, visit our website.
Benefits:
- Gym membership contribution.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Increased annual leave with length of service.
- Free annual leave on your birthday.
- Length of service bonus.
- Hybrid working.
- Free Will Writing service.
- And more!
People Partner in Hemel Hempstead employer: Smartdesc
At Academia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that truly invests in our people. With a strong focus on internal progression and a culture that fosters growth and development, our People Partner role offers the chance to make a significant impact within a rapidly expanding technology company. Located in Hemel Hempstead, we provide a supportive and dynamic work environment, complemented by attractive benefits such as gym membership contributions, increased annual leave, and hybrid working options, making us a top choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. Ask them about their experiences and the company culture. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on articulating your experience in people partnering and HR case management. Confidence is key, and we want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People Partner role. Highlight your experience in HR and how it aligns with our people strategy. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've managed complex employee relations or led change initiatives. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a collaborative and inclusive culture, so showing us who you are and how you fit into our ethos is key. Be genuine and let us know why you're excited about this opportunity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smartdesc
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a People Partner. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with the company's people strategy. This will help you articulate how your experience fits into their needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Since this role involves partnering with senior leaders, be prepared to discuss your experience in stakeholder management. Think of specific examples where you've built strong relationships and delivered aligned people solutions, especially in complex situations.
✨Be Ready for Case Management Scenarios
Expect questions around complex employee relations cases. Brush up on UK employment law and prepare to discuss how you've handled sensitive issues like disciplinary actions or performance management in the past. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Emphasise Your Growth Mindset
Academia values internal progression, so highlight your willingness to learn and adapt. Share instances where you've taken on new challenges or led change initiatives, showing that you're proactive and ready to contribute to their ambitious growth plans.
