People Partner (13 months FTC)

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About Us

We are Ocado Group, and we're bringing world-class automation to online grocery. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) combines cutting-edge robotics, AI, and IoT within our advanced CFCs. We've mastered the single pick, transforming online delivery for our global partners. Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of retail technology.

About the Role 

Ocado Group is looking for an experienced People Partner to drive the people strategy across our UK Group Operations business area, specifically supporting Finance, Legal, Business Integrity, and People streams. Reporting to the Regional People Partnering Manager,  you will leverage your ability to influence key business stakeholders and decision-makers to deliver commercially focused solutions. In our matrix operating model, you will act as a vital team player, balancing long-term initiatives - talent management, organizational design and change management - with a strong delivery bias to balance strategy with operational excellence to enhance the employee experience.

Accountabilities

• Working in collaboration with the Group Ops People Partnering Director to develop people initiatives with leaders/managers at all levels to address both immediate and long term objectives for the business.
• Partner with Department leaders, Directors, their teams and other key stakeholders in a proactive way to coach and advise them to understand and effectively implement People focused strategies, policies, procedures and best practice.
• Combine commercial focus with HR/People expertise to improve organisational effectiveness by delivering people initiatives and aligning People policies and procedures to support business strategy.
• Support the People Partnering Director with annual cycles (e.g. talent & performance reviews, pay reviews) across the employee life cycle and use data and insight to inform decision making. 
• Work closely with specialists & partners in our People Centres of Expertise and drive the development and implementation of key products to support People Plans.
• Contribute to the wider UK team agenda through completion of ad-hoc projects focused on continuous improvement and compliance with UK legislation. 
• Provide pragmatic and professional expertise and advice on People matters e.g Talent Development , Engagement, & Total Reward. 
• Liaise with People Advisors for a wide range of employee relations cases, particularly performance management, disciplinary, grievance and appeals and other specific topics. 
• Manage and facilitate transformation and change in terms of organisational structures and working practices.
• Manage and implement People projects and lead change initiatives, including implementing new tools and processes that will provide better support to stakeholders.
• Utilise employee data and trend analysis to lead, educate and work in partnership with line managers on People issues, e.g employment engagement and reducing turnover. Identify priority trends and advise management on action plans, options and solutions.

Essential skills

• Commercial Awareness: Deep understanding of business drivers and how People strategy directly impacts the bottom line and operational success.
• Change Management: Proven experience in designing and—more importantly—embedding change, ensuring organizational transitions are sustainable.
• Workforce Planning & Talent Management: Ability to proactively identify future talent gaps and build robust succession and development plans.
• Organisational Design: Experience in enhancing team effectiveness and structure to meet evolving business needs.

• UK Legislation / Employee Relations: Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application to complex ER cases.
• Team Collaboration: Proven success working across complex matrix structures, collaborating with Centers of Excellence (COEs), Shared Services, and Talent Acquisition. A team player willing to support others, focusing on team efficiency and success. 

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skill in building relationships and managing expectations across diverse groups of internal stakeholders.

• Proactive Ownership: A self-starter who identifies business priorities and acts on them independently without waiting for external direction.
• Decision-Making: Confident and independent decision-maker who can navigate ambiguity and take accountability for outcomes.
• Bias for delivery: focused on meeting deadlines, closing out projects, and ensuring HR initiatives lead to tangible results.
• Prioritisation: Proven ability to manage a heavy "business as usual" (BAU) workload alongside strategic projects.
• Data-Driven Insight: Comfortable using data to identify trends, anticipate business priorities, and make informed, evidence-based decisions.

• Compelling Storytelling: Ability to present complex information and data in clear, persuasive ways to stakeholders at all levels.
• Influencing & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to listen, persuade, and challenge upwards when necessary.
• Cultural Awareness: High level of emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity when working across different teams or geographies.

What we offer

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Time to recharge:
  25 days annual leave (rising to 27 after 5 years), plus the option to buy more – and 30 days a year to work from anywhere in the world.
  
  
• Health & wellbeing:
  Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
  
  
• Family-first policies:
  22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (after qualifying period).
  
  
• Financial support:
  Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest-free loans for train tickets.
  
  
• Commuter perks:
  Cycle to Work Scheme and free shuttle buses to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations.
  
  
• Exclusive discounts:
  15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month).

Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, or disability or union membership status.