Head of People, Culture & Wellbeing in London

Who We Are:

Abel & Cole has pioneered organic, ethical and sustainable food delivery for over 30 years. Doing things better is our bread and butter; from saving over 60 million plastic bags by using reusable boxes for our food deliveries, to finding alternatives to plastic long before it hit the headlines. We are forever challenging ourselves to find the most positive way to do business and want everyone to eat organic because it’s one way to save the future. It’s these values that enabled us to become B Corp certified; an optional audit we’ve gone through to recognise how we put people and planet before profit, as well as help us find room for further improvement.

We’re looking for more people to join our team of almost 600, to share our passion for doing the right thing even bigger and better than we do already. In a fast paced and competitive market, we know it’s our people who make the difference. We’ve learnt how important it is to recognise, develop and promote from within; and that trusting people lets them come up with the best ideas and that helps our entrepreneurial spirit to thrive.

Summary:

At A&C we are committed to fostering a positive work environment where every person feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. The Head of People, Culture & Wellbeing will report into the Managing Director, will work alongside the Board team and will play a key role in shaping and driving our people strategy to align with our core values and strategic objectives.

We are looking for a dynamic individual who has a real flair for people, who can think strategically and implement initiatives that promote a culture of inclusivity, innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement, whilst also ensuring that all teams receive confident and timely day-to-day HR support.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Culture Development: Nurture a positive, fun, friendly, and inclusive company culture that values diversity, equity, and belonging, and reflects our values. Drive the implementation of ideas and initiatives that promote employee engagement, well-being, and work-life balance.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive people strategy that supports the company's long-term goals and objectives and shapes the company’s culture and employee experience.
• Employee Development: Design and implement learning and development programmes that support the professional growth and skill development of employees at all levels, identifying training needs, and evaluating the effectiveness of training initiatives.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Ensure that the recruitment and onboarding process facilitates a seamless and positive experience from end to end. Work with the Recruitment Manager to develop innovative strategies for attracting top talent and build a diverse workforce.
• Performance Management: Manage the improvement and implementation of performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and feedback mechanisms. Provide training, coaching and support to managers to enhance their effectiveness in managing performance and fostering employee growth.
• Employee Relations: Serve as a trusted advisor and resource for the People Team and managers on HR-related matters. Handle employee relations issues with professionalism, empathy, and fairness, ensuring that all concerns are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations. Work with our parent company, the WJFG, to develop and implement HR policies and procedures that mitigate risk and promote a safe and respectful work environment.
• HR Operations: Oversee all aspects of HR operations, for example, benefits administration, and employee records maintenance. Implement best practices and streamline processes to optimise efficiency and effectiveness. Review HR metrics and data to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and monitor progress.

About You:

• You’ll need to have breadth and depth of experience across a HR/People function – from employee relations, to recruiting, operations and performance management, to culture and learning & development.
• Proven track record as a strategic people leader who has managed a small team of HR professionals previously.
• CIPD qualified.
• Proven knowledge and practical application of HR practices and employment laws.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and driving a People strategy.
• You will have demonstrated that you can handle multiple projects in a calm and professional manner, managing workflow, people, and resources.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.

Behaviours:

• Analytical mindset.
• An authentic and collaborative team player.
• Strong leadership qualities; curious and open to new challenges.
• Highly motivated and organised, with a can-do attitude.
• Enthusiastic, confident and enjoys being out and about talking to people at all levels.
• Passionate about finding and developing talent.
• Has the confidence and ability to exercise judgement and find resolutions independently.
• A strategic mindset.

What we offer:

• Salary of up to £75,000 per annum
• Hybrid working
• 33 days holiday per annum, inclusive of bank holidays
• A free box of fruit and veg every week (It’s pretty delicious!)
• Up to 35% discount on A&C products
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Wellbeing and Rewards platform with access to discounts, GP service and Employee Assistance Programme.

Abel & Cole promotes equal opportunities for all employees. We want our employees to feel they can be themselves at work and develop their talents to the full. Members of staff are expected to take personal responsibility for keeping our workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying - a place where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully.

To support Abel & Cole’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, we ask that you remove all personal details from your CV. This includes removal of home address, and place of education.