HR People Partner. in London

As HR (People) Partner at WatchHouse, you are responsible for delivering clear, compliant and high-performing people operations across the business. You will work within the People function and act as a trusted partner to Operations, ensuring that people processes are structured, consistent and aligned to business needs, while fostering a strong, values-led employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• People Operations & Employee Experience
  • Deliver a consistent, high-quality employee experience across all Houses
  • Ensure smooth onboarding and offboarding processes
  • Support recruitment through screening, coordination and onboarding of new hires
  • Deliver clear and structured induction experiences
  • Manage return-to-work processes effectively
  • Build strong relationships across House teams, Operations and leadership
  • Support delivery of training and development programmes
  • Act as a visible role model of WatchHouse core values: Passion, Empathy, Drive and Diligence
• People Process & Policy Upkeep
  • Maintain fully compliant and accurate employee records at all times
  • Ensure contracts are issued prior to start dates
  • Ensure right-to-work checks are completed, valid and regularly reviewed
  • Track and complete probation processes in a timely manner
  • Keep all policies up to date and aligned with business needs
  • Conduct regular payroll checks and validations
  • Identify and escalate any compliance risks early
• Employee Relations – Fair, Compliant & Commercial
  • Manage employee relations cases in a structured, fair and commercially sound manner
  • Ensure all decisions are evidence-based and aligned with company policy
  • Apply appropriate use of ACAS guidance and relevant case law where required
  • Maintain clear timelines, documentation and case ownership
  • Partner with Operations, Head of People and Legal (where required) to ensure aligned decision-making
  • Coach managers to address performance and conduct issues early and confidently
  • Balance people considerations with business impact in all decision-making
• HR Data, Reporting & Case Management
  • Maintain accurate and live headcount data across all Houses
  • Track and report on turnover, absence and 90-day retention metrics
  • Maintain a current and structured ER & HR case log
  • Track case progress, ownership and next steps clearly
  • Support a consistent monthly reporting rhythm
  • Ensure all data is reliable, consistent and readily available for decision-making
• Performance Management (Aligned with Operations)
  • Partner with Operations to ensure performance expectations are clear and consistently applied
  • Support structured performance management processes, including probations and PIPs
  • Ensure performance issues are addressed proactively and followed through
  • Align with Operations before outcomes are delivered
  • Support managers in delivering clear, measurable and fair performance outcomes
  • Reinforce accountability and consistency across all Houses

Key to Success in This Role

• Strong HR generalist with solid Employee Relations experience
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance people and business needs
• Confident influencing and aligning stakeholders
• Strong understanding of employment law and compliance
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, scaling environment
• Passion for hospitality, people development and team culture

What Can You Expect At WatchHouse

• Free coffee, tea, and WatchHouse drinks—even on your days off!
• Comprehensive training and development when you join.
• 250g of free coffee each month.
• Cycle to Work Scheme access.
• Paid induction day within your first two weeks.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression.
• Free lunch on every shift.
• Social budget for fun, team-based activities.
• Invitation to the annual WatchHouse Party with Core Value Awards and amazing prizes.
• 30% off food and WatchHouse retail coffee—anytime.

WatchHouse was born from a passion to do better—with diligence, detail, and a relentless pursuit of excellence at our core. We’re a people-first business that celebrates individuality and places respect, inclusion, and equality at the heart of everything we do. We believe in hiring the right person for the role, valuing personality and potential as much as skills and experience. As a team, we lead with empathy, communicate openly, collaborate effectively, and support one another to succeed. We hold ourselves to high standards, sharing in each other’s successes while staying mindful, kind, and committed to progress. Our four core values - passion, drive, diligence, and empathy - guide every decision we make and shape the culture we’re proud to build together.