At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teams in creating a vibrant workplace culture and manage HR processes.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on nurturing talent and fostering a fun environment.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, health cash plan, enhanced maternity pay, and more perks.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join us to shape a positive culture and make a real impact on employee experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or people management with a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are currently looking to recruit a full-time People & Culture Manager to support our teams across Retail and Head Office. This role will be based at our office in Didcot, Oxfordshire. We operate a hybrid working model: three or more days from the office, the remainder of the week from home.
We know the best work is done by people who enjoy their jobs, so we create a fun and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We are looking for an agile and proactive People & Culture Manager, with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this company culture. This role will report directly to the CFO.
The People & Culture Manager is responsible for delivering effective day‐to‐day People & Culture support across the business, with a strong focus on stakeholder management and close coordination with our external HR provider who delivers day‐to‐day and specialist advisory support. The role focuses on operational delivery of key people processes, stakeholder support, recruitment coordination, workplace experience, and maintaining a positive and well‐run office environment that reflects our culture and brand.
- People Operations & HR Partner Management
- Act as the primary internal contact for our external HR provider, overseeing delivery of outsourced HR services.
- Support managers with day‐to‐day people guidance and coordinate employee relations activity with the external provider.
- Ensure policies, compliance processes, and people practices are applied consistently across the business.
- Oversee payroll and benefits inputs and maintain accurate HR systems (Rippling).
- Coordinate people reporting, including headcount, absence, turnover, and engagement insights.
- Recruitment & Onboarding
- Coordinate recruitment delivery and support hiring managers through the process.
- Manage recruitment directly for selected roles where required.
- Oversee interview coordination, approvals, and onboarding for new starters.
- Support employer branding activity, including management of the company LinkedIn presence.
- Employee Experience & Culture
- Lead annual people processes such as performance reviews, engagement surveys, salary reviews, and talent planning.
- Deliver engagement, recognition, and culture initiatives across the business.
- Monitor employee feedback and identify improvement opportunities.
- Support learning and development coordination and internal engagement activities.
- Workplace Experience & Stakeholder Support
- Act as a visible People lead within Head Office.
- Coordinate internal communications and company events (e.g. town halls and leadership sessions).
- Partner with Finance and leadership on workforce planning and headcount tracking.
- Liaise with facilities stakeholders and support workplace sustainability initiatives.
Benefits Package
- 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), pro rata, plus Length of Service increases.
- Day off for your birthday.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Enhanced Maternity Pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme.
- Plus a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more.
People & Culture Manager in Milton Keynes employer: OKA
As a People & Culture Manager at our Didcot office, you will thrive in a vibrant and supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and engagement. We offer a hybrid working model, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, and a commitment to professional growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our dynamic culture. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a company that truly cares about its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Culture Manager in Milton Keynes
✨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 OKA!
✨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 OKA.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Manager in Milton Keynes
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 OKA. 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 OKA 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 OKA. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to OKA'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 OKA
✨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 OKA.
✨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 OKA 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 OKA and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
