At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to shape and deliver strategic people plans for organisational success.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a vital service provider in the heart of Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car allowance, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while shaping the future of water services.
- Qualifications: Experience in business partnering and developing people strategies in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water:
- We offer a salary up to £60k per annum depending on experience
- A company car allowance scheme (£6,000 per year)
- Annual incentive related bonus (up to 15% of annual salary for the 2026/2027 performance year)
- Private health care (self only)
- Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
- Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus two wellness days!
- A great benefits package choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
- Retail savings scheme
- Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: You will be based at our new Leeds Valley Park office, with hybrid working that combines office and home working.
Work type: This is a permanent role, working full time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday between a working window of 8:00am-6:00pm.
We have an exciting opportunity for a strategic People Partner to join the People team at Yorkshire Water. In this role, you will partner with People Leaders to shape and deliver people strategies that enable business performance, support organisational transformation and create a high-performing, inclusive colleague experience. We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who have operated in complex, fast-paced environments and can bring practical operational experience from sectors such as utilities, logistics or manufacturing. This background will help you understand the pace, pressures and priorities of our operational teams and enable you to provide credible, commercially focused People support.
What we do: Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity. New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry.
Where you fit in: As our People Partner, you will act as a strategic partner to leaders across your business area, bringing insight, challenge and expertise to shape people priorities that support our business plan and long-term transformation agenda. You will translate organisational goals into practical people plans, using data, workforce insight and external thinking to influence decision making, build leadership capability and improve organisational effectiveness.
You will:
- Partner with leaders to develop and deliver strategic people plans aligned to business priorities, workforce plans and the wider transformation agenda
- Use workforce data, insight and external trends to identify risks, opportunities and interventions that improve performance, productivity and colleague experience
- Lead the people aspects of organisational change, providing strategic advice on organisation design, engagement, implementation and cultural impact
- Coach and challenge leaders to build capability, strengthen accountability and create high-performing, inclusive teams
- Drive talent, succession and strategic workforce planning activity, ensuring the business has the capability and capacity needed now and, in the future.
- Work collaboratively with People Centres of Expertise to deliver joined-up solutions that meet business needs and improve colleague outcomes
- Build and maintain strong stakeholder and industrial relations, acting as a trusted advisor, critical friend and positive disruptor to leadership teams
What skills and qualifications you will need:
- Business partnering experience, ideally gained within a complex, operational or regulated environment
- Proven experience of developing and delivering people plans that support business strategy, transformation, workforce planning and organisational effectiveness
- Strong stakeholder management, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to coach, challenge and advise senior leaders
- Experience of leading or supporting organisational change
- Ability to use people data, workforce insight and external thinking to shape decisions, identify trends and deliver measurable improvements
- Experience of working constructively with Trade Unions
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex people priorities into clear, practical solutions
- CIPD qualification or equivalent HR/People experience would be desirable; previous utilities sector experience would be advantageous
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!
Do we sound like your cup of tea? If you’re an experienced People Partner who enjoys working strategically with leaders, using insight to shape people plans and helping organisations deliver meaningful change, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.
If you feel this opportunity is suitable and you match the skills required, then please apply online and complete the application process. If you could please submit an up to date CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Recruitment Process: Closing Date 26th August, 2026. If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required. Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. No agencies please.
People Partner employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability in the wastewater sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a comprehensive benefits package, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to vital environmental initiatives. Located in a region known for its natural beauty, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values health and safety, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Yorkshire Water!
✨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 Yorkshire Water.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 Yorkshire Water. 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 Yorkshire Water 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 Yorkshire Water. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Yorkshire Water'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 Yorkshire Water
✨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 Yorkshire Water.
✨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 Yorkshire Water 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 Yorkshire Water and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
