Human Resources Business Partner- EU

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

The Human Resources Business Partner will be based three days a week in our London HQ and will play an important role in supporting our growing business by providing strategic and practical HR advice to managers and employees, with a particular focus on European employment law and cross-border compliance. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys applying their expertise in a fast-paced, international setting and is motivated by helping a business expand confidently across multiple markets. Additional language skills would be advantageous for this role.

You will work across a broad range of HR areas including employee relations, performance management, talent development and organisational change, while ensuring compliance with employment requirements in the UK and EU. A key part of the role will be working directly with in-country employment lawyers, supporting contracts and employment law matters, and giving timely, pragmatic advice that helps managers make good decisions. Partnering closely with our Commercial team across the UK and Europe, you’ll support leaders as they navigate people challenges and opportunities in different markets.

-May require travel in the UK and Europe from time to time.

You’ll be:

Employee Relations – A trusted contact for managers and employees on complex HR matters, with a strong focus on advising across multiple European markets. You’ll guide on employee relations, conflict resolution and workplace issues, ensuring fairness and compliance in different jurisdictions.

Performance and Talent – Support managers in setting clear expectations, coaching their teams, and recognising high-potential talent. You’ll partner with our Talent team to close skills gaps and help people grow their careers.

Contracts and Compliance – Lead on European employment law matters, drafting and reviewing contracts, working closely with in-country employment lawyers, and making sure the business operates with confidence across borders.

Training and Development – Identify training needs and work with Learning & Development to design and deliver impactful programs. Support managers to build capability through coaching and mentoring.

Compensation and Benefits – Provide insight on pay and benefits, supporting fair and competitive reward strategies in partnership with the Head of People.

Organisational Development – Contribute to workforce planning, job design and change initiatives. Help shape approaches that keep teams engaged and connected as the business grows.

HR Systems and Insights – Use HR data to spot trends and provide managers with clear, useful insights that support decision making.

Ad-hoc Projects – Get involved in initiatives that improve processes and enhance the employee experience, from recognition and wellbeing to diversity and inclusion.

You’ll have:

-CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent) and extensive HR Business Partner experience, ideally 5+ years

-Strong, hands-on experience in European employment law and contracts — this is essential for the role

-A proven track record of managing complex employee relations across different jurisdictions

-Confidence working directly with in-country employment lawyers and applying advice in a practical, commercial way

-Solid HR systems knowledge and proficiency in MS Office

-Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a growing business

-High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information

-Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence at all levels

-Project management capability and attention to detail

-A collaborative, flexible and positive approach, aligned with the Jellycat ethos

-Experience managing direct reports (desirable)