At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR strategies, enhance colleague engagement, and manage data reporting.
- Company: Join a family-owned leader in timber and building supplies with 185 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, competitive salary, and valuable colleague benefits.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the Best Places to Work 2025!
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people management in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with HR experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Closing Date: 16/02/2026
Putting people at the heart of what we do. With 185 years’ trading experience, the Howarth Timber Group has grown to provide not only the widest range of products, but expertise, service and knowledge you can rely on. With a nationwide network of branches supplying timber and building materials, kitchens and a dedicated manufacturing division supplying timber engineering services, the Howarth Timber Group is focused on providing market leading choice, quality, service and value.
What does it mean to be a Howarth Timber HR Generalist? We are seeking a suitably experienced Regional HR Generalist to support our Howarth Timber & Building Supplies branch network. The HR Generalist will play a key role in partnering with the senior operations team to effectively deliver the People strategy. This role will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of key people plans across the commercial support functions, with a strong focus on data reporting, colleague engagement, and training.
Key Accountabilities
- Agree and support the implementation of People plans with all key customers ensuring the link to the business objectives are clear.
- Support managers to deal effectively with all performance management issues and processes including disciplinary, grievance, capability and sickness issues in line with company policies and procedures.
- Train and coach managers in all aspects of people management, including use of our HR systems.
- Identify training and development needs and offer solutions and advice to support managers to deliver the agreed training programmes.
- Building people management and leadership capability through coaching, to ensure that issues are dealt with proactively.
- Contributing and supporting the continuous improvement of HR systems, practices, and policies, ensuring they underpin the company values.
- Supporting the development and delivery of HR objectives aligned to the business strategy.
- Change management such as TUPE, redundancy, and consultations for contract changes.
- Supporting the wellbeing calendar and continuous promotion of wellbeing initiatives for colleagues.
- A strong focus on colleague engagement initiatives such as guiding the colleague engagement board, leading the colleague engagement survey, newsletters and charity events.
- Analysing, interpreting, and presenting a wide variety of HR KPIs to identify and understand key issues and concerns in the business.
- Continually review the Reward and Recognition policies and processes to identify and make recommendations to improve for the business.
Person Specification
Essential
- CIPD qualified L5 or L7
- Used to working on own initiative in a fast-paced commercial environment
- Experience of implementing and utilising online HR System
- Up to date in interpreting, advising and implementing policies and procedures in regard to Employee relations.
- Experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner or HR Adviser to senior leaders for at least two years.
- Competent with Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Valid UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Experience of operating in a high-volume and fast-moving environment within the Merchant industry.
Why choose Howarth Timber & Building Supplies for your next role? Howarth Timber Group is proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025! We are a family-owned company with a desire to provide colleague benefits that are truly valuable. Benefits include but are not limited to: 31 days’ holiday, inclusive of Statutory.
LEEDS/HYBRID: HR Generalist (Engagement and Data Reporting) employer: Howarth Timber Group
At Howarth Timber Group, we prioritise our people, fostering a supportive and engaging work culture that has earned us recognition as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. As an HR Generalist, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives that enhance colleague engagement and development, all while enjoying competitive benefits such as 31 days of holiday and a commitment to your professional growth in a dynamic, family-owned environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LEEDS/HYBRID: HR Generalist (Engagement and Data Reporting)
✨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 Howarth Timber Group!
✨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 Howarth Timber Group.
We think you need these skills to ace LEEDS/HYBRID: HR Generalist (Engagement and Data Reporting)
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 Howarth Timber Group. 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 Howarth Timber Group 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 Howarth Timber Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Howarth Timber Group'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 Howarth Timber Group
✨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 Howarth Timber Group.
✨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 Howarth Timber Group 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 Howarth Timber Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
