People Partner 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover)

We're growing fast, and our People function needs to keep pace. Sophie, our People Partner, is heading off on leave for 12 months and we need someone who can step in and keep things moving from day one. You'll be the first point of contact for all People queries across the business, owning KPIs, engagement, performance reviews and ER casework. You'll report into our VP of People. We’re looking for someone who's approachable and calm under pressure, with a coaching mindset. You'll empower managers to solve problems themselves rather than doing it for them. Comfortable working without a rigid playbook, switching context quickly between competing priorities, and confident pushing back constructively on senior stakeholders when needed. High EQ, and genuinely comfortable with ambiguity. Given this is a maternity cover, we'd love to hear from people who can start before October to allow for a 2 week handover. Key Responsibilities 🗝️ What You'll Own 📋 Act as the go-to contact for all People queries across the business Own and report on People KPIs Run and analyse engagement surveys Own the performance review cycle Handle people cases end to end Deliver manager/management training Shape onboarding strategy Identify and implement AI/automation opportunities across People admin, freeing up time for direct partnering Skills, Knowledge and Expertise 🚀 Essential experience & skills HRIS proficiency & people analytics (we use Humaans) Performance review cycle management Comfortable using AI/automation to reduce People admin A confident, credible communicator with senior stakeholders Calm under pressure A coach at heart Compassionate and approachable Desirable experience & skills Manager coaching/training design Engagement survey tools (e.g. Culture Amp) Onboarding strategy design (not execution) Recruitment-tech or B2B SaaS background High EQ, with strong active listening skills Comfortable with ambiguity in a scale-up A proactive relationship builder Comfortable representing Zinc in the People space (content, community) UK employment law & ER experience What we offer 🍉 24 days holiday + Bank Holidays + your birthday off 🎉 £1200 annual benefits allowance ( ThanksBen , from month 2) Early finish Fridays (16:00) Yearly company retreat abroad ✈️ 30 days to Work from anywhere 🌍 Statutory pension with NEST (3% employer, 5% employee) Unlimited access to Spill Therapy Company socials, quarterly team socials Free Monday lunches Nursery workplace benefit scheme (Yellownest) Celebrated Zinc anniversaries 🥳