At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teams in creating a positive workplace culture and manage HR processes.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant homeware retailer with a passion for beautiful living.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, health cash plan, enhanced maternity pay, and more perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and employee well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and a proactive, positive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well. We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British-born, today we have 15 stores across the UK – an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website.
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 is able to 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 deliver 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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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
OUR 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
If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast‑paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.
People and Culture Manager employer: OKA
At OKA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday entitlement and a focus on employee wellbeing, ensures that our team members feel valued and empowered to grow. Join us in Didcot, Oxfordshire, where you can make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Culture Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Dive into OKA's values and vibe by checking out their website and social media. This way, you can tailor your responses to show how you fit right in!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider info about the role and the team. A little chat can go a long way in making you stand out during the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your interview. Ask about their approach to employee engagement or how they maintain a positive workplace culture. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨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 keen on being part of the OKA family from the get-go!
We think you need these skills to ace People and Culture Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the People & Culture Manager role. Highlight your previous HR experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to nurture company culture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our fun and nurturing environment. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted workplace culture in the past.
Showcase Your Personality:We love a bit of personality! Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit, so show us what makes you tick!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA
✨Know the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to really understand OKA's culture and values. They’re all about creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued. Think about how your own values align with theirs and be ready to share examples of how you’ve contributed to a positive workplace culture in the past.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
As a People & Culture Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the coordination with their external HR provider and support managers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Recruitment Experience
Since this role involves coordinating recruitment and onboarding, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Highlight any successful hiring strategies you've implemented or challenges you've overcome in the recruitment process. This will help them see you as a proactive candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Engagement and Recognition Initiatives
OKA values employee engagement and recognition, so come prepared with ideas or examples of initiatives you've led in the past. Whether it’s performance reviews or team-building activities, showing that you have a creative approach to enhancing employee experience will set you apart from other candidates.
