People Partner

We’re looking for a positive, high‑energy and solutions‑focused People Partner with strong, all‑round HR operating experience who is now ready to step into a partnering and departmental leadership role. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with broad HR and/or OD expertise who thrives in fast‑moving, operational environments – perhaps with seasonal peaks, a large casual workforce or complex frontline teams – and who now wants to move into a role with strategic influence. You’ll work closely with our senior managers and play a key leadership role within the People department, deputising for the Group Head of People when required, owning the delivery of people projects that genuinely make a difference. The opportunity You’ll be joining a small but high‑impact People team as the People partner to senior and departmental managers across a busy, operationally diverse organisation. You’ll be working with senior managers to develop their teams and offer people insights to develop the experience for all our colleagues – and rolling up your sleeves to make it happen. You’ll be: A trusted adviser and partner to senior managers, influencing how they lead, engage and develop their teams, balancing a pragmatic and commercial but people-orientated mindset Coaching and mentoring your team through employee relations cases, offering expert support for more complex cases Designing and implementing training solutions to address organisational challenges you spot, and working with our Training Manager on creating plans and initiatives Owning and driving the execution of people plans, spanning engagement, wellbeing, performance, employee relations and development Playing a visible leadership role within the People team, including deputising for the Group Head of People and leading the HR function within the People department - helping to shape priorities and approaches across the department Improving and evolving People and L&D practices so they support delivery and a great employee experience This is a hands‑on role in a “small but complex” organisation with a strong operational heartbeat. It will suit someone who enjoys autonomy, variety and solving problems collaboratively. About you This role is ideal if you’re at the point in your career where you’re ready to step up into partnering and leadership. You’re likely to bring: Strong, all‑round HR operational experience across the employee lifecycle, particularly in employee relations Experience in either training or L&D including designing training interventions to address operational or organisational needs Employee Relations experience, ideally in environments with operational pressure, volume or seasonal demand Confidence working with senior managers – coaching, challenging and influencing rather than simply advising The credibility to act as a deputy for the Group Head of People when needed A positive, collaborative and solutions‑focused mindset You’re someone who gets things done. You’re comfortable operating without lots of structure, can navigate change and competing priorities, and enjoy being close to the business and its people. You might currently be an experienced Senior HR Advisor or HR Manager who is already operating at – or aspiring to – true partnering level and wants greater ownership, visibility and progression. Why join us? You’ll join a passionate People team that has transformed how we recruit, onboard and support our workforce, and plays a central role in shaping culture, leadership behaviours and the employee experience. About Chester Race Company Chester Race Company Ltd is one of the North West’s best-known and most-admired brands. It is an evolving organisation with a broad portfolio but retaining Horseracing at its core. The Company operates three racecourses, Chester, Bangor-on-Dee and Musselburgh, in Scotland. At Chester, we also own and operate - a hotel, a vibrant pub and have other property interests in the city. Not to mention our in-house caterers, Horseradish and our staffing brand – Thyme People. With that much diversity in our business, no two days are the same. You’ll work closely with operational teams, see the impact of your work first‑hand, and gain exposure that will set you up for a long‑term career in HR leadership. If you’re ready to step into a pivotal People Partner role – with influence, stretch and trust – we’d love to hear from you. What we offer: CRC offer a great selection of benefits, from staff Race Day tickets to enhanced pension contributions. Salary: Up to £46,000 per annum (dependent on experience) We value talent and know that isn’t always found in 9-5. We are open to discussions with candidates about condensed or part-time working hours.