Associate People Partner in Sunderland

This role is a 12 month fixed term contract, covering maternity leave. The tombola People team has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Associate People Partner to join the business. The People team is an end-to-end, commercially focused function that partners closely with leaders across the organisation to support positive cultural change and enable future growth and success. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where people experience, engagement, and continuous improvement are central to everything we do.

Role purpose

Reporting to the People Partnering Lead, you will support the delivery of the tombola People agenda across People Partnering and People Experience. Working closely with People Managers and the wider People team, you’ll provide operational HR support and guidance, help deliver people processes effectively, and contribute to engagement and cultural initiatives across the business. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building trusted relationships, solving problems collaboratively, and delivering a positive colleague experience through clear communication, sound judgement, and strong HR knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• HR advice & delivery: Support People Managers with day‑to‑day HR matters, ensuring consistent application of policies, processes, and best practice. Deliver core HR activities accurately and efficiently, contributing to a positive colleague experience, including HR Operations support. Act as a trusted first point of contact for people‑related queries, escalating more complex matters where appropriate. Support the drafting and implementation of HR policies and procedures, including updates aligned to employment legislation.
• Communication & stakeholder management: Communicate clearly and confidently with People Managers, colleagues, and members of the wider People team. Translate HR policies and processes into practical, easy‑to‑understand guidance. Build effective working relationships across the People team, HR Operations, and Flutter Centres of Excellence (COEs).
• Problem solving & case support: Monitor people data, manager feedback, and employee trends to identify emerging themes, risks, or opportunities. Partner proactively with managers to address concerns early and support positive outcomes. Support and resolve routine employee relations matters in line with policies and procedures. Take ownership of assigned cases, ensuring they are managed efficiently and stakeholders are kept informed throughout. Identify when issues fall outside standard practice and elevate appropriately. Apply sound judgement within established frameworks, seeking support where needed. Support organisational change activity through coordination, communication, and practical HR guidance.
• Autonomy & influence: Work independently within established HR frameworks and governance. Build credibility through reliable delivery, strong attention to detail, and relationship building. Influence through expertise, coaching, and collaboration.
• Personal leadership & collaboration: Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and a proactive approach to delivery. Share ideas, learnings, and best practice across the People team to support continuous improvement.
• Data, insight & technical capability: Use people data and analytics to identify trends, inform actions, and support decision‑making. Apply HR knowledge across the employee lifecycle, collaborating with the wider People team on more complex matters where required. Maintain accurate people data and documentation in line with governance and policy requirements.

Essential Skills & experience

• Proven experience in an HR Advisory or generalist HR role.
• Strong working knowledge of HR policies, processes, and employment practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience using HR systems and people data to support decision‑making.

Desirable

• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or equivalent), or working towards completion.
• Experience supporting engagement initiatives or organisational change activity.
• Experience working within a matrixed or fast‑paced environment.

Behaviours & competencies

• Practical and solutions‑focused approach to problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and accountability.
• Collaborative and relationship‑driven mindset.
• Comfortable working independently while recognising when to seek support or escalations.
• Committed to continuous learning, improvement, and sharing best practice.
• Commercially aware with a people‑first approach.

Why tombola? At tombola, our values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive environment where people can do great work, feel valued, and build meaningful careers.