At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, support teams, and drive performance in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Established organisation focused on operational excellence and employee engagement.
- Benefits: Up to £45,000 salary, flexible hours, hybrid working, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Regular social events and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce stability and develop your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong employee relations knowledge, and CIPD Level 5 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re delighted to be recruiting a Human Resources Operations Lead on behalf of a well-established, operationally focused organisation. This new and varied HR vacancy offers the opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting depot-based teams, partnering closely with leadership to drive performance, engagement, and workforce stability within a fast-paced environment.
Salary up to £45,000. Full-time, 35 hours per week with flexible working hours (e.g. 8am–4pm or 9am–5pm). Hybrid working – 3 days on site in Northampton, 2 days from home. One day per month travel to Wigan (expenses covered). 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Private healthcare, pension scheme, and discretionary bonus. Regular social events and an excellent benefits package.
Duties and responsibilities:- Act as the primary HR contact for depot leadership, supporting delivery of operational goals through effective people strategies.
- Build strong on-site relationships with managers and frontline employees, providing practical HR guidance aligned to business priorities.
- Manage a range of employee relations cases including disciplinaries, grievances, absence, performance, and investigations.
- Provide expert advice to managers, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and employment legislation.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives for operational roles to ensure workforce stability.
- Coach and develop managers to strengthen people leadership capability across the depot.
- Analyse HR metrics such as absence and turnover, providing insights to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement.
- Proven HR experience within an operations-led environment such as logistics, transport, manufacturing, or warehousing.
- Strong employee relations knowledge with experience handling complex cases.
- Ability to influence and challenge operational leaders in a constructive and professional manner.
- Confident coaching and advisory skills, with a focus on developing management capability.
- Good understanding of employment law and HR best practice.
- CIPD Level 5 (or above) qualification, or equivalent experience, is desirable.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build credibility across all levels of the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Lead in Kettering
✨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 Vanilla Recruitment!
✨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 Vanilla Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Lead in Kettering
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 Vanilla Recruitment. 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 Vanilla Recruitment 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 Vanilla Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Vanilla Recruitment'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 Vanilla Recruitment
✨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 Vanilla Recruitment.
✨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 Vanilla Recruitment 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 Vanilla Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
