At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers and colleagues with HR advice, coaching, and employee relations.
- Company: Join Gist, a key player in the M&S Group's food logistics.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 20% M&S discount, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a progressive and inclusive culture that values growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory or employee relations is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ 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
We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded People Advisor to join our operational People Team in Faversham. Working closely with the People Partner and site leadership team, you will play a key role in delivering a credible, practical and people focused HR service, with a particular focus on employee relations, manager coaching and strong HR fundamentals. This is a hands-on role at the heart of the operation, giving you the opportunity to influence the employee experience while supporting the site through business excellence, change and transformation.
What you'll be doing
- Act as the first point of contact for employee relations, providing pragmatic advice, coaching managers and colleagues on best practice.
- Support managers through absence, performance, conduct and other ER processes, encouraging early intervention and effective case management.
- Ensure ER activity is handled fairly, consistently and in line with employment law, policy and good practice.
- Identify and escalate complex or high risk cases, supporting the People Partner with risk management, root cause analysis and Industrial Relations activity.
- Coach and develop line managers, strengthening their confidence and capability in managing people matters.
- Use HR data, trends and insights to identify people priorities and support practical solutions across the site.
- Support engagement initiatives and local people activities that build open communication, trust and positive colleague experience.
- Maintain accurate records across headcount, absence, ER, training and employee lifecycle activity, working closely with People Services and Centres of Excellence.
- Contribute to the wider site people plan and support the business through ongoing change and transformation.
You will be a trusted partner to managers and colleagues, providing clear and confident advice across absence, performance, conduct and other people matters. You’ll help managers navigate ER cases effectively, build their confidence and capability, and ensure decisions are fair, consistent, compliant and aligned to our values and policies.
What we're looking for
To be successful in your application you will bring proven experience in HR advisory, employee relations or a generalist HR role, ideally within an operational, FMCG or logistics environment. We are looking for someone who can:
- Confidently advise and coach managers on Employee Relations and people challenges.
- Apply a strong understanding of employment law, HR policy and ER best practice.
- Build trusted relationships and communicate clearly at all levels.
- Manage sensitive cases with fairness, pragmatism and sound judgement.
- Balance competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Use HR data and insight to understand issues and develop practical solutions.
- Influence, challenge and problem-solve in a collaborative way.
- Work effectively with People Partners, Centres of Excellence and wider HR teams.
CIPD Level 3 or 5 is desirable, but not essential.
With the support of a strong People Partner model and specialist Centres of Excellence, you will have the opportunity to build your HR and ER expertise, make a real impact and develop your career as part of a business going through an exciting period of transformation.
Role details:
- Salary: Up to £38,000 per annum, dependant on experience
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with flexibility required to support the site.
- Location: Gist, Oare Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7TW
What’s in it for you?
As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:
- 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.
People Advisor in Faversham employer: Gistworld
At Gist, we pride ourselves on being a part of the M&S Group, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters career growth and development for our employees. As an HGV Technician in Thornbury, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible shift patterns, and access to extensive training opportunities, all while working with modern tools in a supportive team culture. Join us to be part of a company that values inclusivity and encourages you to make a meaningful impact in the logistics sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor in Faversham
✨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 Gistworld!
✨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 Gistworld.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor in Faversham
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 Gistworld. 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 Gistworld 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 Gistworld. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Gistworld'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 Gistworld
✨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 Gistworld.
✨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 Gistworld 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 Gistworld and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
