People Partner

Role Summary

We're looking for an experienced People Partner to join our team on a 12‑month fixed term basis at our Faversham depot, reporting to the Senior People Partner for the South of the UK. In this role you will work closely with leaders to deliver our People priorities, providing practical, high‑quality support that strengthens leadership, performance and engagement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the General Manager to shape and deliver the People plan across the depot, using experience and data to guide decisions.
• Lead and coach your direct report, setting clear expectations and maintaining a high standard of delivery as our service offer evolves.
• Own delivery across the full People lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, talent and performance management, colleague engagement, safety and learning and development initiatives.
• Support and develop line managers daily to make sound People decisions, handling ER case management, ACAS, tribunals and employment law with clear guidance and coaching.
• Strengthen leadership capability, performance management, succession and workforce planning so the operation has the right leaders in place for the present and for future growth ambitions.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Trade Union representatives and play a key role in maintaining positive industrial relations, including annual pay discussions.
• Work closely with People colleagues and Centres of Excellence to share learnings and ensure a consistent experience across the organisation.
• Maintain accurate People data for the site and use insight to support decision‑making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant experience as a People Partner / HR Business Partner working across a full generalist remit, ideally within logistics, retail or manufacturing.
• Visible, credible People Partner with the confidence to work closely with site leadership and influence decisions.
• Comfortable advising and managing complex ER issues and applying employment law with sound judgment and pragmatism.
• Ability to balance technical knowledge with practicality and hold the right person to account for delivering.
• Confidence working with people data and translating insight into action.
• Effective line manager who sets clear standards and supports others to deliver an evolving service offer.
• CIPD qualification desirable but not essential.
• Some ad‑hoc travel to other site locations will be required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 20% M&S discount on most items.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Private Health Insurance.
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan.
• Attractive annual bonus scheme based on M&S performance and personal objectives.
• Auto Enrolment Pension or defined contribution pension scheme and up to four times salary life assurance.
• Perks and discounts via the Gist App to major restaurants and retailers.
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.

Our Culture and Commitment to Inclusion

At Gist we are part of the M&S Group and play a critical role in the food supply chain. Our culture is built around the values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical. We believe our differences make us stronger and we are 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, and will provide reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.