People Partner (FTC: maternity leave cover)

Overview

We have an excellent opportunity for a People Partner to join our established, supportive People Team on a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave (up to 12 months, ideally starting in May/June 2026). Reporting to the People Director, this is a broad and varied role in a scaling organisation, blending strategic partnering with hands-on operational delivery - working closely with leaders across the business while also collaborating day-to-day with our People Advisors.

You will be involved in a range of people-related projects, helping to turn business priorities into clear actions that support business performance and capability. Providing advice, coaching and support to people managers and teams, this role encompasses the full people cycle, including leading on activities such as talent management and development, employee experience and engagement, and ED&I and wellbeing.

The role is based in Cambridge, with hybrid working options available. Please note that we are unable to offer Visa sponsorship or relocation assistance for this position; therefore candidates will need to provide evidence of Right to Work in the UK, and will need to be able to be located within commutable distance to our site in Cambridge.

This is a significant opportunity for someone to drive meaningful impact for the duration of this contract, during an exciting phase of scale up.

The closing date for applications will be Wednesday 15th April.

Key tasks

Business Partnering

• Develop meaningful relationships with leaders and managers, providing an advisory and consultative service to build team effectiveness and performance

• Drive talent and performance management: Working with leaders to identify and develop existing and future talent, creating opportunities for people to grow

• Coach managers to embed our Values and Leadership Charter in everyday practice, helping them build the skills and toolkits for great conversations and team performance and wellbeing

• Create and deliver training to line managers and employees on people related topics, ensuring these are embedded and understood across the business

• Contribute to workforce planning and organisational design conversations, aligned to business growth and capability needs

• Support ED&I (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and wellbeing initiatives to raise awareness, encourage open conversations and develop a culture of inclusion and wellbeing

• Provide insight into how our people feel, what’s important to them and their employee experience, to allow us to continually improve as an employer

• Review, analyse and utilise key HR metrics and data to drive strategic decision making across all People related activities and shape conversations

• Facilitate in the delivery of engagement survey actions to continue to make Pragmatic a great place to work

Operational People Support

• Coach and support People Advisors with ER cases and partnering conversations, providing guidance and oversight where needed to help build their confidence and judgement.

• Manage more complex or sensitive ER cases with care and in line with legislation.

• Support with the updating and communicating of people policies and processes, ensuring they are up to date with current employment law and best practice.

• Collaborate with the wider People Team to co-design the right people initiatives to continue to make Pragmatic a great place to work.

• Foster a collaborative, supportive team environment where learning and growth is encouraged.

• Contribute positively to building our employer brand and reputation internally and externally, through networking events, social media and community activities.

Qualifications and training

Candidates will ideally possess qualifications such CIPD Level 5 or 7, or other business-related qualifications (or will demonstrate equivalent business experience at People Partner level).

Coaching qualifications or training would be advantageous, as would knowledge or accreditation of Insights Discovery.

Skills and experience

• Experience and confidence in areas such as talent development, performance management, coaching leaders, complex or sensitive ER and employee experience

• Expertise in employment law, HR trends, practices and processes

• IT skills including PowerPoint and Excel, and the ability to create and maintain presentations and spreadsheets

• Previous exposure to organisational design or team structure reviews is desirable

• Experience with HiBob HRIS and Thrive LMS would be desirable but not essential

• We use Insights Discovery as a self-awareness and team working tool, so previous knowledge of this would be advantageous but not essential

Approach and behaviours

• An adaptable, flexible approach to get the best outcome for the situation

• Confidence and ability to constructively challenge and influence leaders to make better decisions

• Excellent relationship building and communication skills, with the ability to move between listening, guiding and coaching

• The ability to take ownership and make sound decisions based on knowledge and judgement

• Collaborative and generous with your knowledge and expertise, using this to develop more junior colleagues

• A proactive, continuous improvement mindset, great at spotting opportunities to simplify and improve processes to drive better results and user experience

• Emotionally intelligent, self-aware, compassionate and empathetic

• Demonstrates high level of integrity and professionalism, remaining calm under pressure and in dealing with ambiguity

• A desire to learn and get involved in a range of activities

Candidates who do not meet every requirement but feel their skills are a good fit for the role the role are encouraged to apply.

Pragmatic is committed to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion; we strive to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to be themselves at work. Please let us know if you would like any adjustments to our application and interview process.