At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the People function and drive impactful projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic startup scaling through exciting growth phases.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career advancement to Head of People and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in ambiguity and want to shape a high-performance culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by building and improving People processes from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in people management, strong communication skills, and a commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Requirements
- You're a People generalist who's comfortable spanning business partnering, ops, and project delivery.
- You've worked in a startup or scaleup environment (ideally post-Series A) and are used to building things from scratch, not just running established processes.
- You bring a commercial mindset - you understand business strategy and organisational priorities, and you frame People decisions in terms of what's right for the business.
- You've personally handled performance management, probation, and difficult people situations - not just designed policy around them.
- You're self-sufficient - you can manage senior stakeholders, navigate ambiguity, and make judgment calls without constant input.
- You communicate clearly and directly, adapting your style across different audiences and levels of seniority.
- Bonus: experience scaling a People function through 150-300+ headcount, international employment experience, or exposure to building performance management or L&D frameworks from scratch.
What the job involves
- We're hiring a Senior People Partner to own the day-to-day of our People function as Sona scales through its next phase of growth.
- Reporting to the Chief of Staff & VP of People, this is a role for someone who wants to do excellent business partnering and execution work: from partnering with senior leaders on the people decisions that matter through to building and improving the processes that help a 150+ person, globally distributed team do their best work.
- Day to day, that means being the go-to partner for managers navigating performance conversations, probation, and difficult people decisions.
- It also means driving forward projects like performance management, learning and development, and the systems that support a high-performance culture, executing the strategy while the VP of People holds the overall direction.
- This isn't a role where you'll inherit a fully formed function and keep it running. Much of what you'll be responsible for needs to be built from scratch or improved.
- If you're energised by that kind of ambiguity, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift and the org evolves quickly, this will be a great fit.
- For the right person who comes in and excels, there's a clear path to Head of People.
- Own the day-to-day of the People function, acting as a key business partner across the business.
- Partner with managers and leaders on performance management, probation, employee relations, and people decisions.
- Drive People projects - including performance management frameworks, L&D, and culture initiatives - from design through to delivery.
- Help ensure our operational processes are documented, AI-first and scalable.
- Work closely with the VP of People to execute the People strategy as Sona scales past 150 headcount and into new international markets.
Senior People Partner employer: Sona
At Sona, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture. As a Senior People Partner, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape our People function from the ground up, driving impactful projects in a fast-paced scale-up environment. With a clear path for career advancement and a commitment to employee growth, Sona is dedicated to supporting your professional journey while ensuring you thrive in a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Partner
✨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 Sona!
✨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 Sona.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Partner
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 Sona. 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 Sona 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 Sona. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sona'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 Sona
✨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 Sona.
✨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 Sona 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 Sona and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
