At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives to create a high-performing, collaborative culture at William Grant & Sons.
- Company: Join a family-owned distilling company with iconic brands and a commitment to craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and a bonus plan.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and community involvement through charity support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee development and organisational success in a respected company.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with a strong grasp of modern HR practices and data-driven mindset.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons is a family-owned Scottish distilling company founded in 1887 and renowned for producing some of the world’s leading premium spirits. Headquartered in Dufftown, the business is best known for iconic brands such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Hendrick’s Gin. With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and independent ownership across five generations, William Grant & Sons has grown into one of the world’s most respected and award-winning distillers while staying true to its heritage and values.
WGS value every employee for their rare character, distinctive skills, experience and perspectives. Every one of their colleagues has a role to play in helping them to achieve their growth ambitions.
The Opportunity
The Contribution & Development (C&D) Office is an independent entity, reporting to the Supervisory Board. It has been set up to help ensure the long-term success of William Grant & Sons as a family business. The Company’s operating model, the William Grant Way (WGW) provides the framework for how the business works at its best. There are five key pillars – Organisation, People, Business Processes, Technology and Ways of Working. The WGW provides a well organised structure to allow activities to happen in a coordinated way to ensure the long-term success of the Company.
While the business owns and drives the WGW, the C&D Office monitors how well it’s set up to optimally achieve the Company’s objectives. This includes ensuring it is well understood and considering how effectively it is working, and where it can keep improving. The C&D Office also supports the Supervisory Board in monitoring and accelerating the progress of people development and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced People Lead to own all matters relating to the People and Organisation pillars in order to sustain and optimise their content and application, to ensure the most effective and efficient possible outcomes for the Company. The People Lead will also work with the business in developing a high-performing organisation with an employee-oriented, open and collaborative culture that emphasises empowerment and promotes team working. The role will also ensure that the business is building the necessary capabilities to deliver the long-term growth to the highest performance standards.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking an experienced HR Professional with a strong grasp of modern HR delivery and a clear understanding of “what good looks like” in a high performing people function. The ideal candidate will blend strategic thinking with operational discipline, bring a data driven mindset, and a clear appreciation of how HR enables business success.
- Modern HR Operating Model
- Deep understanding of contemporary HR operating models – including Business Partnering, Centres of Expertise, and Shared Services – and how these components integrate to deliver value.
- Knows when HR should standardise vs. differentiate, striking the right balance between strategic partnering and operational excellence.
- Able to position HR as an enabler of business outcomes, not as an administrative function.
- End-to-end Employee Lifecycle Expertise
- Strong understanding of people processes across the full employee lifecycle: workforce planning, attraction, onboarding, development, performance, reward, engagement and exit.
- Data Driven HR Delivery
- Experience using leading measures, not just lagging indicators, to drive HR performance (e.g. quality of hire, time to productivity, leader capability, engagement drivers).
- Skilled in using data and insight to diagnose issues, prioritise interventions and demonstrate HR’s impact on business outcomes.
- Policy Design & Governance
- Experience designing and implementing clear, pragmatic HR policies.
- Able to balance risk mitigation with creating a positive employee experience.
- Change & Organisation Design
- Experience leading or contributing to change and organisational design programmes, bringing structure, clarity and people-focused thinking to periods of transformation.
- Leadership Models & Role Clarity
- Strong understanding of modern leadership models and the behaviours required for a high performing organisation.
What we can offer
We offer a competitive salary and benefits which are designed to promote our employees’ financial wellbeing. Employees are also eligible to participate in a bonus plan. Our employees enjoy a generous holiday entitlement and an opportunity to ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ some holiday entitlement. Private Healthcare and Doctor at Hand (remote GP service). Our employees can join a defined contribution pension plan. Employees contribute either 4% or 5% of salary, the company contributes 8% or 10% depending on the employee contribution. Employee contributions can be made through salary sacrifice. Our Employee Assistance Programme offers practical, impartial support on everyday matters ranging from medical, financial and legal to home and family issues. Our Life Assurance cover is a multiple of eight times your annual basic salary. Product allocation so that you can enjoy our fantastic portfolio of brands. Our Cycle to Work scheme allows you to hire a bike for an agreed length of time, and then snap it up for a fraction of its original value. All while making savings (at least 25%) and spreading the cost. Every employee has the opportunity to claim up to £1,000 per year for a charity or charities for which they have raised money, volunteered their time or personally donated. Learning resources to help you be your best self.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV to Jaclyn Needham at applications@fwbltd.com. For an initial confidential discussion, contact her on 0131 539 7087.
People Lead - William Grant & Sons in Cumbernauld employer: FWB
The R&A is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of the golf industry. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the organisation provides comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and unique perks such as free tickets to prestigious championships. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in a high-profile setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Lead - William Grant & Sons in Cumbernauld
✨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 FWB!
✨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.
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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 FWB.
We think you need these skills to ace People Lead - William Grant & Sons in Cumbernauld
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 FWB. 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 FWB 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 FWB. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to FWB'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 FWB
✨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 FWB.
✨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 FWB 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 FWB and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
