Junior People Partner (1yr FTC) in London

Junior People Partner (1yr FTC) in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Dune Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support employee relations, talent development, and create a positive workplace culture.
  • Company: Dune London, a leading affordable luxury footwear brand with global reach.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, 60% discount, 25 days holiday, and a fun team culture.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in social initiatives.
  • Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in a growing company.
  • Qualifications: 5 years of people experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for diversity.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About us

Dune London is the leading affordable luxury footwear and accessories brand in the UK, with broad distribution across both the UK and internationally. It has 50 stores in the UK and over 100 in 25 countries around the world. The company is entering a period of sustained growth both through expansion of sales on its online channels and through third party partners both in the UK and globally. Celebrating over 30 years in the industry, the Dune group has built an enviable position as the specialist in quality fashion footwear and accessories which has given it a unique position at the high end of the high street.

About the role

Ready to take your People career to the next level? We’re looking for a proactive and colleague focused Junior People Partner to join the team! In this role, you’ll work closely with Managers across the business, offering practical, commercial advice while helping to create a positive, high-performing culture. No two days are the same - from employee relations to talent and development, you’ll be right at the heart of it all. We’d especially love to hear from candidates with experience across international markets, particularly the Netherlands. You’ll be part of a high-performing, supportive team that enjoys working together and learning from each other. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and make a real impact. Reporting to the Senior People Partner, this role has no direct reports but will play an important part in guiding and sharing expertise with more junior team members.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • People Partnering & Employee Relations
    • Be the go-to for employee relations support, tackling everything from everyday queries to more complex cases.
    • Coach and guide Managers to build confidence and capability in handling people matters.
    • Support formal processes, including attending high-risk hearings and helping Managers land the right outcomes.
    • Keep things running smoothly by ensuring all ER documentation is accurate and sent on time.
    • Take the lead on long-term absence cases and support Managers with next steps.
    • Share your knowledge and support the development of junior team members.
    • Provide People support across international markets, including ROI and the Netherlands.
    • Stay in the know with employment law and keep the business updated.
  • Talent, Recruitment & Succession
    • Support the Junior People & Recruitment Advisor to keep things consistent and joined up.
  • Learning & Development
    • Get involved in delivering engaging training that helps Managers grow.
    • Support the creation of practical, easy-to-use learning materials.
  • People Data & Insights
    • Keep People systems accurate and up to date.
    • Pull together reports and insights to support business decisions.
  • Projects & Continuous Improvement
    • Support key projects like the annual pay review.
    • Bring fresh ideas to improve processes and ways of working.
  • Collaboration & Culture
    • Build great relationships with Managers across your areas.
    • Work closely with Payroll and the wider People team.
    • Jump in to support wherever needed - we’re a team!
    • Get involved in social and charity initiatives that make our culture even stronger.

EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED:

ESSENTIAL

  • 5 years People experience ideally in a Fashion/High Street Retailer.
  • Strong ER experience.
  • Ability to work with volume and in a fast-paced environment.
  • International employment experience, ideally Republic of Ireland and Netherlands.
  • Good understanding of recruitment processes.
  • Good Excel and Word skills.
  • Ability to coach and influence on all People / ER issues.
  • Strong communicator and good influencer.
  • Strong presentation skills.
  • Commercially astute and ability to proactively solve problems.
  • Excellent time management and organisation skills.
  • Promotes strict confidentiality within the department.
  • A team player.
  • A commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
  • CIPD level 5.

DESIRED

  • Experience supporting junior team members or advisors.
  • Exposure to international employment practices.

About the perks

  • Blended working – spreading your time across our office and remote working.
  • Sustainable office in bustling West London (near Westfield).
  • Friendly and open culture with flat structures allowing plenty of opportunity for development.
  • Company growth and opportunity; Dune is evolving all the time.
  • Open-minded company, welcoming thoughts and ideas to be shared.
  • Working with charitable organisations to help raise funds and give something back. Our current charity partner is Mental Health UK.
  • 60% employee discount on Dune products – what’s not to love!
  • 25 days holiday (plus the bank holidays).
  • Cycle2work.
  • Company pension scheme.
  • Life assurance for all team members.
  • We look after our people.
  • 3.00 p.m. finish every pay day Friday!
  • Team socials and drinks – we like to have fun!
  • Access to our employee assistance programme, retailTRUST, who provide loads of resources to support with wellbeing and personal development offer free counselling legal advice and financial guidance.
  • Our own Wellbeing Allies – there to talk when you need them.

What happens next?

We will take a good look at your application and if we don’t feel we are right for you, we’ll make sure we let you know but sadly we are not able to give tailored feedback. If we are excited to find out more about you, we will give you a call and arrange to talk.

A few things that might help: Research the brand, the role, your interviewer on LinkedIn; browse our website; and visit a store if you can. Make sure you have plenty of examples to show off all your amazing skills and experience relevant to this role.

Junior People Partner (1yr FTC) in London employer: The Dune Group

Dune London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, employees enjoy a range of benefits including blended working options, generous discounts, and a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in the heart of West London, the company provides a unique opportunity to be part of a leading brand in the fashion industry while making a meaningful impact.

The Dune Group

Contact Details:

The Dune Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior People Partner (1yr FTC) in London

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 The Dune Group!

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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 The Dune Group.

We think you need these skills to ace Junior People Partner (1yr FTC) in London

Employee Relations
Coaching Skills
International Employment Experience
Recruitment Processes
Excel Skills
Word Skills
Communication Skills

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 The Dune Group. 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 The Dune Group 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 The Dune Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Dune Group'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 The Dune Group

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 The Dune Group.

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 The Dune Group 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 The Dune Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.