At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with HR advice and employee relations, ensuring a fair workplace.
- Company: Join Gist, part of the M&S Group, shaping food logistics.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% M&S discount, 25 days leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a high-performing team driving meaningful change.
- Qualifications: HR experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food. From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time. As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.
The Opportunity
Our operational People Team based in Hemel Hempstead have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and talented People Advisor where you will support the People Partner and site leadership team in delivering a consistent, practical and credible HR service. As a People Advisor you will be responsible for delivering strong people fundamentals, providing clear and confident HR advice to managers, managing employee relations cases and ensuring that HR processes are applied accurately and in line with policy and employment law. You will be a trusted advisor and point of contact for managers and colleagues across the operation resolving issues, building line manager capability and maintaining a fair, compliant and values led environment. This pivotal role provides a crucial link between HR and the business where you will support in key people led activities that underpin our ongoing journey of business excellence, change and transformation.
What you’ll be doing
- Reporting into the onsite People Partner you will support in delivering the site-based people plan to ensure operational excellence and bring clarity on what matters using insights, data, and trends to support the on-site people agenda.
- You will support onsite managers in handling daily people matters, particularly absence, performance and conduct where you will provide practical coaching to upskill manager capabilities.
- You will support in delivering engagement activities and local initiatives across our colleague network creating an environment of open communication, fun and trust.
- You will be the first point of contact for employee relations queries where you will provide clear and pragmatic advice to managers and colleagues, ensuring a fair, timely and consistent outcome.
- You will support and coach managers to take ownership of employee relations processes, promoting early intervention and high-quality case handling as well as maintaining accurate and thorough records and audit trails.
- You will escalate high risk or complex employee relation cases to the People Partner where you will support in highlighting risks and root causes and support the People Partner in delivering the local Industrial Relations approach, ensuring compliance, consistency and strong governance across all people activities.
- You will maintain precise records for headcount, absence, employee relations cases and training compliance for the site and ensure all starters, leavers and change requests are completed accurately collaborating with our central People Services teams when needed.
- You will also support in employment lifecycle working closely with the centres of excellence teams to ensure processes are effective and efficient.
What we’re looking for
To be successful in your application you will be able to demonstrate the following skills, experiences and behaviours:
- Proven HR advisory, employee relations or generalist experience, ideally within an FMCG, operational or logistics environment.
- Strong understanding of employee relations, employment law, and employment legislation.
- Demonstrable experience of coaching and mentoring line managers with people challenges.
- Strong communication skills able to build excellent working relationships.
- Organised, detail focused and able to manage conflicting priorities.
- Able to interpret and analyse HR data and form practical solutions and outcomes.
- Collaborative working style able to form relationships with wider HR functions.
- Proven problem solving and influencing skills.
- CIPD level 3 or 5 certification would be desirable however not essential.
This is an amazing opportunity to join a high performing people team, working within a defined partner model, collaborating alongside centres of excellence teams with opportunities for future growth and development. Therefore, we want an individual who is ambitious and ready to join a business that is in an exciting transformational state!
What’s in it for you?
- 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service).
- Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan.
- Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives.
- Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary).
- Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers.
- Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme.
- A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Why Gist?
When you join Gist, you’re joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group. You’ll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK’s leading food supply chains. Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow. Whether you’re leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.
Our commitment to inclusion
At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger. We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We’ll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
Location: Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7PZ
People Advisor in Hemel Hempstead employer: Gist Limited
Gist Limited is an exceptional employer located in Barnsley, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and efficiency in warehouse operations. With a strong focus on employee engagement and development, we provide competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including healthcare and employee assistance, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking growth in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor in Hemel Hempstead
✨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 Gist Limited!
✨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 Gist Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor in Hemel Hempstead
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 Gist Limited. 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 Gist Limited 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 Gist Limited. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Gist Limited'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 Gist Limited
✨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 Gist Limited.
✨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 Gist Limited 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 Gist Limited and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
