Interim People Partner (6-Month Contract)
Location: Peterborough, PE2 6YN | £50,000 to £60,000 (Pro Rata) | Full-Time, Fixed-Term (6 months)
Help us build the people function from the ground up
We're looking for a
People Partner
to help us scale our team and build the essential people systems we need for our next stage of growth.
This is a
hands-on interim role
reporting to the Managing Director, ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys building from scratch. You'll focus on
delivering key processes,
hiring, onboarding, and performance, while supporting the recruitment of your permanent successor.
If you've rolled up your sleeves to build simple, scalable people processes in a growing business before, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Deliver
* Hire 20+ new team members
across engineering, software and operations over six months
* Design and run end-to-end hiring processes
, from scoping roles to onboarding
* Implement a practical onboarding process
that delivers a consistent, positive experience
* Build a lightweight performance management system
for use across the business
* Create core templates and tools
(e.g. job descriptions, offer letters, reviews, exit checklists)
* Support line managers
with recruitment, onboarding and feedback conversations
* Coordinate HR data and documents
to ensure we're audit-ready and compliant
* Assist in hiring and onboarding your permanent successor
, ensuring a smooth transition
You'll Enjoy
* Flexible Working
: Find the balance with our hybrid approach
* Generous Holiday Package
: 25 days + public holidays, with buy/sell options
* Pension Scheme
: Helping you plan ahead
* Peace of Mind
: Death in service benefit
* Professional Support
: We cover CIPD or other relevant fees
* Smart Health
: 24/7 access to online GP and wellbeing services
What We're Looking For
* Strong generalist HR experience in a growing or scaling business
* Proven track record designing and implementing core people processes
* Hands-on recruitment and onboarding delivery (not just coordination)
* Comfortable working independently and coaching managers
* CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum)
* Familiarity with people systems (ATS, onboarding, review tools)
* Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance
* Clear, confident communicator — tactful, trustworthy, and delivery-focused
About OAL
OAL helps food manufacturers automate. Based in Peterborough, we're a family-run business delivering robotics and digital transformation to some of the UK's best-known food brands. We're growing quickly, with big ambitions and a collaborative team culture.
You'll be joining a team that believes in direct communication, high standards, and solving hard problems together.
If you're ready to make a big impact in a short space of time — and leave something better behind — we'd love to hear from you.