At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers and drive a positive workplace culture as a People Advisor.
- Company: Fenwick, a historic and innovative family-owned department store.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, birthday off, and up to 25% discount in stores.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with over 2,000 individuals and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and contribute to a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Understanding of HR, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a confident and approachable People Advisor to join our People team, playing a key role in supporting managers and driving a positive, high-performing workplace. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing hands-on advice with a more strategic, insight-led approach to people matters.
When you join Fenwick, you’ll receive:
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of 8 bank holidays) and a buying holiday benefits scheme in which you are eligible to buy up to 5 days across the year.
- Your birthday off as an additional day annual leave – this can be taken any day within your birth month.
- Up to 25% discount in all Fenwick stores and fenwick.co.uk.
- WeCare - 24/7 GP, wellbeing advice & support service.
About the role
As a People Advisor at Fenwick, you’ll support the delivery of our People strategy, working closely with People Partners across the business. Acting as a first point of contact for managers, you’ll provide guidance on employee relations matters, offering practical, commercially minded advice that supports effective people management and a positive colleague experience.
In this role, you’ll take ownership of case management, ensuring issues are handled in line with policy, employment legislation, and agreed SLAs, while coaching managers to build capability and confidence. You’ll also play a key role in producing regular People insights and reporting, using data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and shape priorities. Alongside this, you’ll support the development and review of policies and procedures, ensuring they remain up to date, relevant, and aligned to business needs.
This is a highly collaborative position where you’ll work across teams to deliver projects, support business change, and contribute to management upskilling initiatives. With a strong analytical mindset and a proactive, solutions-focused approach, you’ll help drive continuous improvement while building strong relationships across the organisation.
What we are looking for in a candidate:
- Understanding of human resources and employment law
- Can support the development and review of ER policies and guidance
- Sound judgment and problem-solving skills
- The ability to use initiative
- Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- The ability to motivate and influence stakeholders at all levels
- To have a customer first and commercial mind set
- Professionalism and an overall positive/can do attitude
- Developed knowledge of excel
- Data driven, analytical
- Curious and able to identify trends and meaning from data
About Fenwick
Fenwick is rich with heritage and history and have been style pioneers since 1882 when our first store opened. We know luxury and are proud to remain the largest independent, family-owned group of department stores within the UK. We are on an exciting journey to exceed our customers' expectations and we are always on the lookout for new talent to join us.
Our collaborative spirit unites a workforce of over 2,000 individuals across our stores, as well as in our support functions, encompassing Digital, Buying & Merchandising, IT, Finance, People, Customer Service teams, and our cherished restaurants and distribution centres.
In 2023 we launched our ‘Quiet No More’ campaign, enhancing our presence on the UK high street as well as our eCommerce website going from strength to strength. Together, we form the beating heart of Fenwick, driving forward our vision for excellence and innovation. Join us as we pave the way toward an even brighter tomorrow, where tradition meets transformation!
People Advisor employer: Fenwick
Fenwick is an exceptional employer that values its people, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture where employees can thrive. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, a birthday off, and a 25% discount in stores, Fenwick prioritises employee wellbeing and development. As a People Advisor, you'll have the opportunity to influence positive change within a historic family-owned business, while enjoying a dynamic environment that fosters growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor
✨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 Fenwick!
✨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 Fenwick.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor
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 Fenwick. 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 Fenwick 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 Fenwick. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Fenwick'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 Fenwick
✨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 Fenwick.
✨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 Fenwick 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 Fenwick and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.