Introduction to the role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced HR Business Partner specialising in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to join our team. In this role, you will act as a trusted advisor, driving the integration of DEI principles into HR strategies and business operations. You will work collaboratively across departments to design, implement, and monitor initiatives that promote an inclusive workplace culture and company goals.

As a key member of the People Team, you will collaborate with the People Director to create and lead HCUK’s inclusion agenda. The business partner, DE&I, will work with the HarperCollins CEO and Senior Leadership Team across the business.  

Key tasks and accountabilities:

•  Advise and coach departments and divisions on embedding DEI into people strategies, decision-making, and team dynamics.

• Lead or support organisational changes, such as restructures, mergers, or system implementations

• Guide managers in setting goals, conducting performance reviews, and delivering constructive feedback.

• Manage the bonus and annual salary review process with client groups, ensuring excellence in advice and challenging managers on decision making, enabling employees to be recognised and treated fairly.

• Communicate changes effectively and support teams through transitions.

• Collaborate with department heads to identify and address diversity gaps and implement tailored action plans.

• Working with your client groups and the Senior Talent Acquisition Manager in supporting the selection of candidates, attending interviews, and supporting decision making where appropriate. Provide guidance to inform and shaping attraction, talent acquisition, talent development, comp and bens and retention strategies.

• Working with the People Director and Exec to identify, design and deliver training programs to build awareness and competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the organisation.

• Facilitate workshops, focus groups, and forums to promote dialogue and understanding on DEI topics.

• Partner with the Senior Talent Acquisition Manager to develop strategies that attract diverse talent and reduce bias in hiring practices.

• Drive initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, with a focus on underrepresented groups.

• Provide regular reports and insights to leadership on DEI efforts, successes, and areas for development.

• Build partnerships with external organisations and networks to enhance DEI efforts representing HarperCollins in DEI-related events and conferences.

• Provide best practice and innovative ideas to address the challenges in HCUK/Publishing.

• Build relationships with HCUK Execs and senior leads and ensure active engagement, support of D&I initiatives and integration into the business.

Skills required:

• Experienced People Partner, covering all aspects of the employee lifecycle with a proven track record working with Executive Teams with a focus on DEI or related initiatives.

• Proven track record in developing and implementing DEI strategies, courses and programs.

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, DEI best practices, trends and HR processes.

• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to influence, persuade and coach leaders across all levels and functions of the organisation.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present data effectively.

• Experience of building D&I initiatives, measuring success and identifying key areas of business for improvement with an emphasis on tracking progress – therefore having strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present data effectively.

• Able to quickly understand the challenges in the Media/Publishing sector and have a solutions orientated approach with limited budget capacity.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays

• Private healthcare cover and life assurance

• Summer Hours 

• Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal

• Relocation Rent Support Loan 

• Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work

• Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal

• Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers

• Gym membership discount

• Onsite physiotherapy (London only)

• Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days

• We're a certified Carbon Neutral company

• Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books

• Subsidised canteen and retail discounts

• Onsite prayer room 

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.

Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.