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- Tasks: Join our HR Pathway Programme and gain hands-on experience in various HR roles.
- Company: B&Q, a leading home improvement retailer with a focus on employee development.
- Benefits: Up to £28k salary, hybrid working, 6.6 weeks holiday, and an award-winning pension scheme.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career with structured training and earn recognised qualifications.
- Qualifications: Ambition for HR leadership and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career progression and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
HR Pathway Programme – Permanent (including approx. 36-month Apprenticeship Scheme)
Salary: Up to £28k + Pension + BUPA + ShareSave Scheme + 6.6 weeks holiday + Hybrid Working
Location: Southampton, Head Office
We believe anyone can improve their home to make life better. From our Southampton Store Support Office (SSO), we equip our stores, our people, and our business with everything it takes to help millions of customers create a home they'll love. Join us in HR and you'll play a big part in this.
At B&Q, we have a hybrid approach to working to increase flexibility in when and where we work. This is a full-time opportunity, Monday to Friday. For this role, you'll need to work from our head office three days a week.
Our HR Pathway Programme is designed to deliver a dynamic experience and provide significant opportunities for career progression. You'll benefit from structured on-the-job apprenticeship experience, comprehensive training and support, and will earn an industry-recognised qualification (Level 3 and Level 5, including CIPD Level 5). The programme spans approximately 36 months and offers a broad range of relevant work experiences, as well as essential training in soft skills and professional behaviours across various HR disciplines.
You’ll gain experience in rotational roles such as:
- Talent Acquisition
- People Operations
- Business Partnering
- Learning & Leadership
- Employment Relations
During this time, you’ll develop strong communication, prioritisation, presentation, and partnering skills, while gaining a deep understanding of B&Q's business. After completing the programme, you’ll remain in an HR role and be encouraged to apply for positions at the next grade. The goal of this programme is to build our leadership succession pipeline, so we’re seeking ambitious candidates who can demonstrate strong judgement, drive, and influence.
We’d love you to help us improve the way we work, simplify processes, and contribute to building an environment where everyone feels they belong.
This programme is for anyone who:
- Takes ownership of their development and is committed to learning on the job
- Is ambitious about building a long-term HR leadership career, aiming for WL2 roles and beyond
Please note: Our assessment day will be on Wednesday 28 January. Please only apply if you can attend in person on this day.
What we need:
- Ambitious about building a career in HR
- Exemplifies B&Q behaviours with sound judgement and influence
- Ready for future leadership opportunities
- Committed to daily growth and development
- Confident, curious, and willing to challenge norms
- Excellent organisation and time management
- Delivers quality work under pressure
- Strong communication skills
- Collaborative team player, builds effective stakeholder relationships
As well as a competitive salary, our benefits package includes:
- Award-winning pension scheme
- ShareSave options
- 6.6 weeks holiday
- Payroll giving
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Shopping discounts
- Colleague wellbeing benefits
- ...and much more.
By the end of your development, you’ll have gained a professional HR qualification as well as key business and behavioural skills, which will be essential for your future success at the next level and beyond.
Equality and Inclusion: We want to ensure that all employees, future employees, and applicants to all Kingfisher companies are treated equally regardless of age, gender, marital or civil partnership status, colour, ethnic or national origin, culture, religious belief, philosophical belief, political opinion, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
If you require any additional support or adjustments to help you make an application, please contact us at: ssorecruitment@b-and-q.co.uk or recruitment@b-and-q.co.uk
HR (Human Resources) Pathway Programme employer: B&q
Contact Detail:
B&q Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR (Human Resources) Pathway Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research B&Q's values, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment day by practising common interview questions and scenarios related to HR. Think about how you can demonstrate your ambition and commitment to growth – that's what they're looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the B&Q family and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace HR (Human Resources) Pathway Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for HR: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for HR shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about building a career in this field and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the HR Pathway Programme. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and gets your key messages across without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our HR Pathway Programme.
How to prepare for a job interview at B&q
✨Know Your HR Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key HR concepts and practices. Familiarise yourself with terms like talent acquisition, employee relations, and learning & leadership. This will show your genuine interest in the field and help you engage in meaningful conversations.
✨Showcase Your Ambition
During the interview, express your long-term career goals in HR. Talk about how this programme aligns with your aspirations and how you plan to take ownership of your development. Employers love candidates who are driven and have a clear vision for their future.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and influence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Think of examples where you've demonstrated strong communication or problem-solving skills, as these are crucial in HR roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company culture, opportunities for growth, or specific challenges the HR team is currently facing. This shows your curiosity and willingness to engage, making a positive impression.