At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations, analyse data, and improve processes for a dynamic HR team.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by providing insights that shape business decisions.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience with data management are essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
At DS Smith, we're looking for an analytical, detail-focused HR Analyst to join our UK HR team.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering efficient HR operations while providing meaningful people insights that help shape business decisions.
Reporting into the HR function, you'll work closely with HR Business Partners, Centres of Excellence, and key stakeholders across the business to ensure high-quality HR processes, accurate data management, and insightful reporting.
You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, and projects that support the evolution of our people function.
This is a varied and developmental role that offers exposure across the entire employee lifecycle and would suit someone who enjoys combining operational excellence with data-driven problem solving.
- What you'll be doing
- HR Operations
- Support HR administration across the employee lifecycle, including starters, changes, and leavers.
- Maintain accurate HR data and employee records.
- Respond to HR queries and coordinate key HR activities to ensure timely delivery.
- Reporting & Analytics
- Produce HR reports, dashboards, and management information.
- Analyse workforce data to identify trends and provide actionable insights.
- Ensure data accuracy and consistency across HR systems and reporting.
- Process Improvement & Projects
- Identify and implement improvements to HR processes and systems.
- Support automation, system enhancements, and HR-related projects.
- Create process documentation and support stakeholder training where needed.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with HR Business Partners, Centres of Excellence, and business stakeholders.
- Support the delivery of HR initiatives through effective coordination and communication.
- Provide a professional, proactive, and customer-focused HR service.
We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, highly organised, and enjoys working with data to solve business challenges.
You may already have experience in HR analytics, people data, or HR administration.
Equally, we would welcome applications from candidates with strong analytical backgrounds in areas such as finance, business operations, reporting, or administration who are interested in building a career within HR.
This role could also suit
- A finance professional looking to transition into HR analytics.
- A return-to-work candidate seeking a flexible opportunity after a career break.
- An ambitious early-career professional or graduate with strong analytical capability and commercial awareness.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, formulas, pivot tables, and reporting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Experience working with large datasets and producing meaningful reports.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Strong organisation and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Experience using HR systems and people data.
- Power BI knowledge, with the ability to interpret dashboards and reporting outputs.
- Experience creating Power BI dashboards and visualisations.
- Previous experience within HR, finance, shared services, analytics, or business support functions.
- Exposure to process improvement, automation, or project work.
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products.
We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change.
We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more.
Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.
Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce.
Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges.
We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
HR Analyst employer: DS Smith
DS Smith is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being in the vibrant location of Livingston, Scotland. With opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and a pension scheme, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful production processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Analyst
✨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 DS Smith!
✨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 DS Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Analyst
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 DS Smith. 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 DS Smith 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 DS Smith. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to DS Smith'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 DS Smith
✨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 DS Smith.
✨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 DS Smith 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 DS Smith and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
