People and Operations (P&O) Business Partner, Global M&M'S Ecosystem

People and Operations (P&O) Business Partner, Global M&M'S Ecosystem

Full-Time 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape the associate experience and partner with leaders across global markets.
  • Company: Join Mars, a purpose-driven company behind the iconic M&M'S brand.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and best-in-class learning from day one.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work internationally and influence culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on a global scale while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and HR expertise required.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

Job Description

Job Title: People and Operations (P&O) Business Partner, Global M&M'S Ecosystem (T2)

Ready to make a meaningful impact on the people experience behind one of the world's most iconic brands?

As the P&O Business Partner, Global M&M'S Ecosystem, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the associate experience, partnering with leaders across multiple international markets to help our teams and business thrive.

Based in London, you'll support stakeholders across the Global M&M'S Ecosystem, including teams in the UK, Germany, France, and China.

You'll act as a trusted advisor, delivering people solutions that drive business performance, organisational effectiveness, and an exceptional employee experience.

This is an opportunity to influence a global, high-performing retail organisation while helping leaders navigate complex people challenges.

If you're passionate about partnering with leaders, solving complex people challenges, and building inclusive, high-performing teams on a global scale, this is an opportunity to make a real impact across the M&M'S Ecosystem while continuing to grow your own career.

What are we looking for?

  • Comprehensive relationship-building, and influencing skills, with experience partnering with senior leaders on people-related decisions.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity, competing priorities, and complex employee or organisational matters using sound judgement.
  • Commercial mindset with the ability to balance strategic business needs and operational HR priorities.
  • Solid HR/P&O expertise, including a good understanding of UK employment law, employment practices, and employee relations.
  • Collaborative and culturally curious approach, with the ability to work effectively across multiple geographies, cultures, and stakeholder groups.
  • High integrity, discretion, and professional maturity, with a passion for creating positive associate experiences and handling sensitive information confidentially.
  • Nice-to-Haves
  • HR Business Partner experience, ideally supported by a background in Employee Relations, Talent, People Operations, or another HR specialist discipline.
  • Experience working with international stakeholders, including teams across Europe and/or Asia.
  • Exposure to retail or customer-facing environments, organisational change, consultation processes, and workforce planning initiatives.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Strategic Partnership

  • Collaborate with the Leadership of the M&M'S stores to define and implement the P&O strategy in alignment with business priorities.
  • Provide insights and recommendations on organisational design and effectiveness,

Culture, Talent Management & Development

  • Support and coach the leaders across the M&M'S ecosystem.
  • Lead Mars' signature talent management processes: performance and development reviews (MDR), succession planning, and merit/compensation cycles.
  • Support Store Directors and other line managers in executing the talent strategy to develop the organisation's future leaders.

Culture, Engagement & Associate Relations

  • Foster a culture that drives engagement and performance: Support teams to complete MAS (Mars Associate Survey) impact planning sessions and regular follow through.
  • Ensure a transparent and trusted Associate experience, in partnership with Associate Relations, our shared service centre, and Rewards experts.
  • Participate in cross-functional HR projects aligned with our strategic priorities.

Organisational Design & Workforce Planning

  • Support the P&O Sr. Director and the M&M'S Leadership Team in the design of the organisation: recruitment, workforce planning, org structure, ways of working.
  • Partner with business leaders, finance, and data teams to monitor key metrics (headcount, wages, turnover) and drive data-led recommendations.

What can you expect from Mars?

  • Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
  • Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
  • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
  • An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

People and Operations (P&O) Business Partner, Global M&M'S Ecosystem employer: Mars - UK

At Mars, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions the voice of the Pet Parent while fostering collaboration across diverse teams. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through best-in-class learning opportunities at Mars University, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package that reflects our dedication to our associates' well-being. Join us in our mission to build trust with pet parents and make a meaningful impact in their lives, all while working in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.

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Contact Details:

Mars - UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People and Operations (P&O) Business Partner, Global M&M'S Ecosystem

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 Mars - UK!

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 Mars - UK.

We think you need these skills to ace People and Operations (P&O) Business Partner, Global M&M'S Ecosystem

Relationship-Building
Influencing Skills
HR Expertise
UK Employment Law Knowledge
Employee Relations
Cultural Awareness
Strategic Thinking

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 Mars - UK. 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 Mars - UK 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 Mars - UK. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Mars - UK'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 Mars - UK

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 Mars - UK.

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 Mars - UK 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 Mars - UK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.