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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Howarth Timber through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Howarth Timber’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on common HR questions and how you can relate your experience to the role of HR Generalist.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Howarth Timber family.
We think you need these skills to ace LEEDS/HYBRID: HR Generalist (Engagement and Data Reporting)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Generalist role. Highlight your experience with data reporting and colleague engagement, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our values!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about HR and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or engaged colleagues in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you could have at Howarth Timber.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howarth Timber Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the HR Generalist role and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with key HR concepts, especially around data reporting and colleague engagement, as these will likely come up during your chat.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience as an HR Generalist or similar roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies or managed performance issues. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Engage with Their Values
Howarth Timber Group places a strong emphasis on people and service. During the interview, highlight how your values align with theirs. Share your passion for employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives, as this will resonate well with their company culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current HR initiatives or how they measure colleague engagement. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
