At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with HR challenges and drive employee engagement initiatives.
- Company: Join James Jones & Sons, a leading family-owned timber processing business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous holidays, and comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and relationship-building across various sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with diverse operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory roles and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 43000 £ per year.
Become the HR Partner at the Heart of One of James Jones' Most Significant Operations. Some HR roles support a business. Others become part of it. This is one of those roles. James Jones & Sons is one of the UK's largest and most respected timber processing businesses, employing more than 2,100 people across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Family‑owned and now in its fifth generation, the organisation continues to combine long‑term stability with significant investment, growth, and ambition.
Within the Central Hub sits one of the company's most important operational locations – Lockerbie. A key site within the Group, it plays a key role in the wider business and is home to a large, diverse workforce supporting some of the organisation's most significant operations.
Why Now? This opportunity has arisen following the introduction of a new HR Business partnering structure and this role will report to the HR Business Partner of the Central hub who will be based in Durham. It's a great example of the development opportunities available within James Jones & Sons, but it also reflects the growing importance of HR across the organisation. The Central Hub continues to experience change, investment and operational development. Leaders increasingly look to HR as a strategic partner, and the successful candidate will step into a highly visible role where they can make a genuine impact from day one.
For someone who enjoys operational HR and being close to the action, this is a particularly exciting time to join.
The Opportunity This is a role where you'll be embedded within the business. You'll work closely with operational leaders, attend regular leadership discussions and become a visible presence across the sites you support. Managers won't know you as the person at the end of an email or Teams call. They'll know you because you're there, understanding their challenges and helping them navigate them. Employee relations will form an important part of the role, but what makes this opportunity particularly rewarding is the breadth of exposure. You'll support large manufacturing environments, established workforces, operational change projects, recruitment activity, leadership development and employee engagement initiatives.
You'll work with people who have spent decades building their careers within the business and help leaders manage the challenges and opportunities that come with a constantly evolving organisation. Every day will be different. Some days will be focused on coaching managers. Others will be spent supporting change projects, resolving people issues or partnering with site leadership teams on operational priorities. If you enjoy visibility, influence and variety, you'll find plenty of all three here.
About You You'll already have experience within a HR Advisor or generalist HR role and be comfortable supporting managers through employee relations matters and wider people challenges. You'll be someone who enjoys building trust, developing relationships and becoming part of the fabric of the business. Success in this role won't come from sitting behind a desk. It will come from your ability to engage with managers, understand operational realities and provide practical, commercially minded HR support that adds value. You'll bring confidence, resilience and strong communication skills, alongside a genuine interest in understanding how people and businesses succeed together.
Location & Travel You'll be based in Lockerbie and will work closely with a HR Advisor based in Durham. Together you will be supporting other sites across the Central Hub, including Annan, Workington, Durham, Hetton and Gateshead. Travel is an important part of the role and provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships across a wide variety of operations, workforces and leadership teams. The role offers excellent exposure to a wide range of operations and workforces, making it an ideal opportunity for someone looking to deepen their operational HR experience within a large and diverse organisation.
Reward & Benefits You'll receive a salary of £38,000–£43,000, annual bonus opportunity, generous holiday entitlement, excellent pension provision and access to a comprehensive wellbeing and benefits package. You'll also join a close‑knit People & Culture team within a business where loyalty, long‑term careers and continuous development remain at the heart of its success.
HR Advisor in Lockerbie employer: Iconic Resourcing
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Glasgow that is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. As a Transformation Programme Director, you will not only lead a critical transformation initiative but also benefit from a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive remuneration and the opportunity to work closely with executive leadership, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in Lockerbie
✨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 Iconic Resourcing!
✨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 Iconic Resourcing.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in Lockerbie
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 Iconic Resourcing. 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 Iconic Resourcing 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 Iconic Resourcing. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Iconic Resourcing'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 Iconic Resourcing
✨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 Iconic Resourcing.
✨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 Iconic Resourcing 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 Iconic Resourcing and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
