At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers and drive people initiatives to enhance business performance.
- Company: Join a collaborative People team in a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to contribute to meaningful people initiatives and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on colleagues and influence positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR roles and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for multiple roles across our Selby, Northampton and London sites. On site presence is required for the roles for all locations. We're looking for an experienced and proactive People & Culture Manager to join our People team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled HR professional who enjoys building strong relationships, supporting managers, and delivering practical people solutions that drive business performance.
What You'll Be Doing
- Acting as the primary point of contact for people‑related matters across your business areas, providing commercially focused HR support and guidance.
- Partnering with managers to deliver a responsive and high‑quality HR service.
- Supporting the delivery of annual people processes, including performance management, talent reviews, succession planning and workforce planning.
- Providing expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance cases.
- Working closely with leaders to develop capability, improve team performance and support business objectives.
- Driving colleague engagement initiatives and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion activities across the business.
- Supporting organisational change and the implementation of wider people programmes and initiatives.
- Contributing to learning and development activities, ensuring colleagues have access to relevant development opportunities.
- Maintaining accurate people data and supporting workforce reporting to enable informed decision‑making.
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business and acting as a visible HR presence within your areas of responsibility.
- Supporting the review and implementation of HR policies and ensuring compliance with employment legislation and company standards.
What We're Looking For
- Strong generalist experience and confidence operating in a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience in an HR Business Partner, HR Manager or Senior HR Generalist role.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations practices.
- Proven experience managing a range of complex employee relations cases.
- Experience supporting organisational change, workforce planning and people initiatives.
- Excellent relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong communication and coaching abilities, with the confidence to influence and challenge constructively.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively across multiple stakeholders.
- A degree in HR or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards) would be advantageous.
Why join us?
You'll be joining a collaborative People team where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on colleagues, managers and the wider business. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development and the chance to contribute to meaningful people initiatives.
Apply today
If you're a people‑focused HR professional who enjoys partnering with leaders, influencing positive change and delivering exceptional colleague experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
People & Culture Manager in Northampton employer: Drax Group
Join a dynamic and supportive People team where your expertise as a People & Culture Manager will directly influence the success of our Selby, Northampton, and London sites. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ensuring you have the resources and opportunities to thrive in your HR career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Culture Manager in Northampton
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Drax Group!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Drax Group.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Manager in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Drax Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Drax Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Drax Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Drax Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Drax Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Drax Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Drax Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Drax Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
