People Partner - On-Site in Watford

Location: Head Office

Position Type: Full-Time, 5 days a week

Reports To: Head of People

About us: Wenzel’s the Bakers is a family-founded business that has been serving local communities with quality baked goods since 1975. At Wenzel’s, our ethos centres around community, quality, and innovation. We take pride in fostering a supportive workplace culture where every team member can thrive. We’re committed to providing excellent products, exceptional service, and an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

We are currently looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Head of HR to join our HR team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to develop their accounting skills in a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

Job Summary: As People Partner, you'll be at the heart of our employee experience; nurturing talent through every stage of their journey with us. You'll champion employee engagement, build meaningful workplace relationships, and skilfully navigate conversations that turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Your compassionate leadership will create a thriving workplace culture where team members feel valued and supported. This generalist role combines your talent for connecting with people, your expertise in HR best practices, and your skill for transforming workplace dynamics into positive outcomes that benefit both our employees and Wenzel’s.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support day to day operations and provide HR advice to the business, both for head office and operations.
• Build meaningful relationships across all levels, serving as a trusted advisor who inspires confidence and fosters connection.
• Champion our employee experience by designing and implementing engagement initiatives that make our workplace truly special.
• Support with general elements of employee benefits.
• Work with the HR team to keep all systems up to date, examples include the HR system, Recruitment system and Training platform.
• Create an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are celebrated and everyone belongs.
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies.
• Attend and support management to carry out thorough investigations into employee grievances, disciplinary matters, and other workplace issues.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports and recommend appropriate actions based on findings.
• Provide guidance and support to managers on ER matters, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law and ensure the company’s compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Act as the first point of contact for in-store conflict resolution, working closely with managers and employees to address and resolve issues promptly and effectively.
• Mediating disputes between employees, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Implement and promote conflict resolution strategies to minimise future disputes.
• Coach manager to become effective leaders.
• Promote employee wellbeing initiatives and ensure that the welfare of employees is prioritised.
• Provide support and advice to employees on personal or work-related issues, referring them to appropriate services when necessary.
• Monitor and manage absence levels, short and long term absence, implementing strategies to reduce absenteeism and support employee health.
• Oversee HR processes such as recruitment for key roles, onboarding, and performance appraisals, ensuring they are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Support the Head of People with any projects or ad hoc tasks as required.

This list is non-exhaustive.

Skills and Qualifications:

• CIPD (minimum level 3) or HR Management equivalent experience.
• Excellent communication skills, able to build and maintain excellent relationships, adapt to their audience across all levels of employees and have strong influencing skills.
• Ability to display confidence and initiative when advising leadership teams across the full HR remit.
• True HR Generalist experience including disciplinary, managing change and a strong understanding of employment law.
• Professional and commercial approach.
• Drive, enthusiasm and tenacity to work well and deliver in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience of managing multiple stores / sites is advantageous, but not essential.
• Prior experience of retail/FMCG desirable.

Salary, Perks & Benefits:

• Salary negotiable.
• Free lunch on the days you work.
• 50% staff discount instore.
• Enrolment into the company pension scheme.
• An additional holiday day on or around your birthday.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position.
• This is an office based role within our Head Office at Sunley House Olds Approach, Northwood, Watford, WD18 9TB, with occasional travel to various shop locations for training and support.

Wenzel’s The Bakers is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.