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- Tasks: Support site leaders to enhance team performance and foster an inclusive culture.
- Company: Join Waitrose, the UK's largest employee-owned business, committed to a happier world.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values kindness, respect, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce diversity and employee experiences in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR Business Partner roles, especially in fast-paced FMCG settings.
The predicted salary is between 45500 - 78000 £ per year.
As a People Partner in Waitrose Distribution, you will act as trusted advisor to site General Managers and the Head of Distribution. You will provide on the ground coaching and support to maximise individual and team performance, drive inclusive behaviour, build a more diverse workforce in service of improving the experiences of everyone who works across the Distribution site teams today, tomorrow and in the future. You will ensure that all site level people activity is aligned to the Waitrose Supply Chain business plan and objectives and supports the effective execution of the Partnership People Plan, by fostering an inclusive, empowering and collaborative culture. Working in collaboration with the relevant Senior People Partner, People Team Centres of Expertise (CoE) and People Operations teams you will be integral to ensuring that the business has the right talent, in the right place and at the right time enabling a high-performing culture.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Business Partnering: Be a trusted advisor to leadership and their teams, coaching and supporting them to optimise individual and team performance. Ensure alignment between the business strategy and people-related initiatives, focusing on the delivery of the People Plan and broader organisational goals. Co-own the change agenda, working closely with leadership to ensure smooth transitions and the effective implementation of people-related changes.
- People Plan Execution: Partner with General Managers to ensure effective delivery of strategic people outcomes, helping to identify key priorities and interventions that align with business goals. Champion the People Plan across the business, ensuring key initiatives (e.g., talent management, D&I, leadership development) are effectively executed, including appropriate pan-partnership initiatives.
- Workforce Planning & Talent: Support and facilitate talent management processes, including talent identification, performance management, and succession planning. Support leadership development programs and initiatives that drive growth, enhance leadership capabilities, and improve employee engagement. Diagnose and scope people change initiatives, identifying areas for development and recommending solutions that support business transformation and growth. Support the business in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture through programs, policy development, and awareness-building activities.
- Operational HR support: Provide first-line signposting to People advice and guidance to Managers on policies, procedures and employment legislation working with the ER Team. Support and signpost on absence management, performance management, disciplinaries and grievances. Build management team confidence in their role in formal meetings and that Managers ensure accurate note-taking and follow-up actions. Ensure investigations, formal meetings and disciplinary process are in line with Partnership policy and ACAS guidelines signposting support and drawing in ER advice where needed. Act as a visible day to day People team presence in the Distribution Centre.
- Collaboration & Capability: Collaborate with the Demand & Capacity Planning team to assess and determine resource allocation, ensuring that the business has the right people capabilities to deliver on business objectives. Ensure the business area has the right people capabilities, structured in the most effective way to deliver strategic outcomes.
- Personal Development: Role model the Partnership Behaviours and proactively invest in your own continuous professional development, both technically and personally. Drive your own contribution conversations and set and review your development goals regularly. Participate in the Partnership’s democratic channels and encourage others to do so.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need:
- Proven experience in an HR Business Partner role, with a track record of supporting operational Supply Chain teams and driving people initiatives in a complex, fast-paced FMCG distribution environment.
- Strong knowledge of talent and performance management, discipline and grievance, leadership development, and change management.
- Experience collaborating with People CoEs, especially in recruitment, Employee Relations, and learning & development.
- Strong understanding of Diversity & Inclusion principles and experience implementing D&I strategies in a business context.
- Expertise in change management and driving People related change.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- Relevant HR qualifications (CIPD or equivalent) preferred.
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
People Partner, Waitrose Distribution in Aylesford employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner, Waitrose Distribution in Aylesford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Waitrose Distribution on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding their culture. Dive into Waitrose's values and think about how your experience aligns with their focus on inclusivity and collaboration. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around people management and change initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner, Waitrose Distribution in Aylesford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and how you align with our values at StudySmarter. Don’t just list your skills; share stories that showcase your experience and passion for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the People Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR and how it connects to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Showcase Your Impact: We love to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven people initiatives or improved team performance. Numbers and outcomes can really help us understand the impact you've had!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Waitrose's values and the specifics of the People Partner role. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
As a People Partner, you'll be coaching site General Managers. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully coached or supported teams to improve performance. Highlight your approach to fostering an inclusive culture and how you've driven change in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing a grievance or implementing a new people initiative. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the current challenges the team faces or how they measure success in the People Partner role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.