Junior People Partner (1 year FTC)

Junior People Partner (1 year FTC)

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Dune

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support employee relations, talent development, and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
  • Company: Join a dynamic fashion retailer with a friendly and open culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, 60% discount, and blended working options.
  • Other info: Engage in social initiatives and enjoy team socials for a fun work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while developing your People career.
  • Qualifications: 5 years of People experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to diversity.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About the role

Ready to take your People career to the next level? We’re looking for a proactive and colleague focused Junior People Partner to join the team! In this role, you’ll work closely with Managers across the business, offering practical, commercial advice while helping to create a positive, high-performing culture. No two days are the same - from employee relations to talent and development, you’ll be right at the heart of it all. We’d especially love to hear from candidates with experience across international markets, particularly the Netherlands. You’ll be part of a high-performing, supportive team that enjoys working together and learning from each other. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and make a real impact. Reporting to the Senior People Partner, this role has no direct reports but will play an important part in guiding and sharing expertise with more junior team members.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • People Partnering & Employee Relations
    • Be the go-to for employee relations support, tackling everything from everyday queries to more complex cases
    • Coach and guide Managers to build confidence and capability in handling people matters
    • Support formal processes, including attending high-risk hearings and helping Managers land the right outcomes
    • Keep things running smoothly by ensuring all ER documentation is accurate and sent on time
    • Take the lead on long-term absence cases and support Managers with next steps
    • Share your knowledge and support the development of junior team members
    • Provide People support across international markets, including ROI and the Netherlands
    • Stay in the know with employment law and keep the business updated
  • Talent, Recruitment & Succession
    • Support the Junior People & Recruitment Advisor to keep things consistent and joined up
  • Learning & Development
    • Get involved in delivering engaging training that helps Managers grow
    • Support the creation of practical, easy-to-use learning materials
  • People Data & Insights
    • Keep People systems accurate and up to date
    • Pull together reports and insights to support business decisions
  • Projects & Continuous Improvement
    • Support key projects like the annual pay review
    • Bring fresh ideas to improve processes and ways of working
  • Collaboration & Culture
    • Build great relationships with Managers across your areas
    • Work closely with Payroll and the wider People team
    • Jump in to support wherever needed - we’re a team!
    • Get involved in social and charity initiatives that make our culture even stronger

Experience / Skills Required

Essential

  • 5 years People experience ideally in a Fashion/High Street Retailer
  • Strong ER experience
  • Ability to work with volume and in a fast‑paced environment
  • International employment experience, ideally Republic of Ireland and Netherlands
  • Good understanding of recruitment processes
  • Good Excel and Word skills
  • Ability to coach and influence on all People / ER issues
  • Strong communicator and good influencer
  • Strong presentation skills
  • Commercially astute and ability to proactively solve problems
  • Excellent time management and organization skills
  • Promotes strict confidentiality within the department
  • A team player
  • A commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  • CIPD level 5

Desired

  • Experience supporting junior team members or advisors
  • Exposure to international employment practices

About the perks

  • Blended working – spreading your time across our office and remote working
  • Sustainable office in bustling West London (near Westfield)
  • Friendly and open culture with flat structures allowing plenty of opportunity for development.
  • Company growth and opportunity; Dune is evolving all the time
  • Open‑minded company, welcoming thoughts and ideas to be shared
  • Working with charitable organisations to help raise funds and give something back. Our current charity partner is Mental Health UK.
  • 60% employee discount on Dune products – what’s not to love!
  • 25 days holiday (plus the bank holidays)
  • Cycle2work
  • Company pension scheme
  • Life assurance for all team members
  • We look after our people
  • 3.00 p.m. finish every pay day Friday!
  • Team socials and drinks – we like to have fun!
  • Access to our employee assistance programme, retailTRUST, who provide loads of resources to support with wellbeing and personal development offer free counselling legal advice and financial guidance.
  • Our own Wellbeing Allies – there to talk when you need them.

Junior People Partner (1 year FTC) employer: Dune

Join Dune, a vibrant and evolving fashion retailer in the heart of West London, where you'll thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment as a Junior People Partner. With a strong commitment to employee development, a friendly culture, and unique perks like a 60% discount on products and a 3:00 p.m. finish every payday Friday, we prioritise your growth and wellbeing while making a meaningful impact across international markets.

Dune

Contact Details:

Dune Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior People Partner (1 year FTC)

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 Dune!

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 Dune.

We think you need these skills to ace Junior People Partner (1 year FTC)

Employee Relations
Coaching Skills
International Employment Experience
Recruitment Processes
Excel Skills
Word Skills
Communication Skills

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 Dune. 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 Dune 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 Dune. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Dune'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 Dune

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 Dune.

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 Dune 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 Dune and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.