At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR practices across Europe, ensuring compliance and enhancing employee experience.
- Company: Join Routeco, a leading industrial automation specialist with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellness benefits, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while working in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years HR experience, strong knowledge of UK and European practices, and CIPD qualified.
Looking for a fresh challenge? At Routeco, our vision is to be Europe's leading industrial automation and controls specialist — combining seamless customer experience with unmatched technical expertise to create lasting partnerships. This is Routeco Know-How.
As part of the Sonepar Group—the largest B2B electrical distributor globally—we offer the stability of a global organisation while staying firmly rooted in the UK market. We value professionalism, agility and teamwork, with customers at the centre of every decision.
This role sits within the Sonepar UK people team, supporting Routeco's UK and European entities across the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland. You'll play a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality HR practices across Europe — supporting the associate experience and business growth by embedding effective HR systems, processes, and initiatives across all locations.
Working closely with UK and European leadership, you'll provide expert guidance across the full employee lifecycle, operating as a true Business Partner who aligns people strategy with business outcomes. You'll also collaborate across Sonepar's European HR network, sharing best practice and driving continuous improvement.
What you'll be doing:- Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance across Routeco's European entities, maintaining up-to-date employment law knowledge and reducing legal risk.
- Partner with local legal advisers on complex employee relations matters.
- Act as a trusted advisor to managers on performance management and the rollout of global frameworks, policies and tools.
- Use people data and insights to contribute to quarterly and annual reporting, including trends, metrics and KPIs.
- Support talent acquisition, development and succession planning across the region.
- Drive associate engagement initiatives, including 'stay' interviews and exit trend analysis.
- Coordinate a compliant and competitive European benefits offering aligned to local and group standards.
- Promote wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion and Purpose initiatives, respecting local cultural needs.
- Work with Finance to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery across all European entities.
- Contribute to pay benchmarking and reward reviews across Europe.
- Minimum 5 years' HR experience across Talent Acquisition, Benefits and Compensation, including high-level disciplinary, grievance, performance management and appeals.
- Strong knowledge of UK and European HR practices; multi-country experience preferred.
- Degree in HR/Business (or related) and CIPD qualified (Graduate level).
- Fluent English; additional European languages (French, German, Dutch) advantageous.
- High attention to detail, strong analytical and communication skills, and ability to handle confidential information.
- Able to use data to drive evidence-based people decisions.
- Experienced managing workload independently in a hybrid environment.
- Comfortable managing crisis/emergency HR situations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Copilot) and digital tools.
- Willingness to travel.
- Base salary: Competitive + bonus.
- Time Off: 25 days annual leave, rising to 30, with option to flex up/down 5 days.
- Long Service Rewards: Special gifts and up to 5 extra holiday days in your anniversary year.
- Wellness Benefits: Health and wellbeing cashback scheme.
- BUPA Cover: Medical cover for all associates.
- Financial Security: Life assurance at 2x salary.
- Free Shares: Eligible after 3 years of service.
- Pension: Group personal pension with 5% employer contribution.
- Continuous Learning: 1 hour of protected development time every week.
- Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Recognition: Discretionary on-the-spot and value-based awards.
- Volunteer Time Off & Workplace Giving: Paid time off for volunteering.
- Exclusive Discounts: Associate Discounts Portal.
- Referral Bonuses: Financial reward for referring great people.
- Cycle Scheme: Salary sacrifice cycle scheme.
- Wellbeing Support: 24/7 EAP via Unum, plus Mental Health First Aiders.
- Fitness Benefits: Gym membership discounts.
At Routeco, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you're interested but don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply — you might still be a great match. Please let us know of any adjustments needed.
We use blind CVs. We're GEISS accredited. We're a registered Member of Inclusive Employers. We have internal focus groups on Mental Health, Menopause, D&I and more. We publish our diversity aims and figures.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Locations
UK & EU HR Business Partner in Loughton, Milton Keynes employer: Sonepar
At Routeco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises professionalism, agility, and teamwork. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. With the backing of the Sonepar Group, we provide the stability of a global organisation while fostering a collaborative atmosphere across our UK and European entities, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK & EU HR Business Partner in Loughton, 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 Sonepar!
✨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 Sonepar.
We think you need these skills to ace UK & EU HR Business Partner in Loughton, 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 Sonepar. 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 Sonepar 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 Sonepar. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sonepar'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 Sonepar
✨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 Sonepar.
✨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 Sonepar 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 Sonepar and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
