HR Partner

Are you an HR generalist with experience of working in the arts and cultural sector? Do you have experience of supporting organisations to create a positive culture? Do you enjoy working in a complex and varied workplace? Can you work positively with stakeholders, Trade Unions and staff engagement forums to deliver successful outcomes?

We are looking for an experienced HR Partner to provide first class HR expertise to stakeholders in our London based departments, including shows, London transfers and International Touring.

It is an exciting time to join the RSC, with award-winning London shows such as Matilda The Musical and Totoro going from strength to strength. We have ambitious plans to continue to develop our artistic programme in London, across the UK and internationally. This role will contribute to the implementation of the RSC’s People and Culture strategy, which underpins delivery of our strategic ambitions, by working closely with senior leaders and managers. You’ll provide well-judged advice, coaching and guidance that enables each department and colleagues to perform at their best.

Reporting to the Head of HR, and working alongside a team of other HR Partners, key areas of responsibility include the following (please see the full job description and person specification for the comprehensive list):

• Being the lead HR partner for a defined range of departments and stakeholders.
• Coaching, advising and supportively challenging senior leaders across a range of HR issues, processes, policies and procedures to enable delivery of the strategic people priorities.
• Working alongside managers to support complex employee relations issues, including individual case management, restructures, redundancy, TUPE and advice on contractual arrangements, such as employment status.
• Encouraging employee engagement within partner departments, by supporting and coaching managers to develop a positive team culture and working with staff engagement forums and Unions.
• Building capability within partner departments, working alongside HR colleagues to develop talent and succession plans, and building a culture of high performance.
• Working proactively with HR colleagues to review and update HR processes, policies and procedures to ensuring organisational efficiency, compliance with employment law and best practice.
• Championing a culture of inclusion, promoting inclusive practices and challenging unhelpful ones.

To be suitable for this role, it is essential that you have the following knowledge and experience:

• CIPD level 5 qualified or equivalent experience.
• Broad generalist HR experience in a complex organisation.
• Experience of managing a range of complex employee relations issues, such as restructures, grievances, disciplinaries, investigations and performance management.
• Experience of working in the arts and cultural sector.
• An up-to-date knowledge of UK Employment Law and best practice in HR.
• The ability to work well as part of a team.
• Highly organised, flexible and adaptable.
• Comfortable with a high volume of work and multiple priorities and stakeholders.

This post is offered as a permanent contract and is subject to a 20-week probationary period. Based in the RSC offices in London with regular travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, other UK sites and touring venues as necessary.

The HR department works to a hybrid model. We trust that colleagues know where, and how, their role can best be delivered and support a mix of remote and on-site based working, as best fits the needs of the HR team, their partner departments, and the RSC. Typically, team members work an average of 3 days on-site each week, but this varies according to specific work activity.

The normal hours of work are 35 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday, with the understanding that additional hours (including occasional evenings or other out of hours work to reflect working in the arts and culture sector) may be required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

Access and Inclusion

We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

We offer support and resources to aid access to the application and interview process, as well as the role itself, should you be successful. To discuss in further detail, please contact jobs@rsc.org.uk – we would be delighted to talk with you.

Application Process

There will be a two-stage interview process. First interviews will take place online during week commencing 2 September 2024. Second stage interviews will take place in London, in person, during week commencing 9 September 2024.

All applications should be made online using the RSC website.

About the RSC

The RSC strives for excellence, and values integrity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration and accountability.

We offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.