At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert Employee Relations support and coach managers across our Distribution Centre and Retail shops.
- Company: Join White Stuff, a vibrant brand known for its unique clothing and accessories.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, annual bonus, and a 50% discount on products.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your ideas and encourages growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping people management practices in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Employee Relations and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
White Stuff was established in 1985 through a simple idea. This idea grew and now we have shops and concessions in the UK and internationally, selling women’s and men’s clothing as well as beautiful accessories and homeware. Our original prints (all designed in house), intricate details and considered design touches reflect our personality and make us subtly distinctive. Our people are at the heart of our brand, constantly moving and driving us forward. We’re sociable, talented and like-minded and we’re not hierarchical or political in how we do business. We encourage entrepreneurial ideas and accountability at all levels.
Who you are:
- Approachable with strong active listening skills, open-minded and empathetic, while able to remain firm and objective when required
- Driven, determined and resilient
- Practical and logical; able to assess risk and provide clear, balanced ER advice
- Exceptionally organised with strong administrative discipline
- Proven experience in an Employee Relations or HR Advisory role
- Personable with strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels
- Confident coaching managers and building capability in people leadership
Primary objective of the job:
As an Employee Relations Specialist for our Leicester Distribution Centre and UK Retail shops, you will be responsible for delivering expert ER support across the business. You will partner closely with DC leaders and Retail Managers to ensure consistent, fair and legally compliant people practices. A key part of your role will be building manager capability, enabling leaders to confidently handle people matters and embed great people management habits. This is a hybrid role, based primarily at our Leicester DC with regular travel to Retail shops across the UK and to our Head Office.
What you’ll be doing:
- Partner with DC and Retail leaders to provide expert ER guidance, ensuring consistent and fair handling of cases including disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence and wellbeing
- Coach and upskill managers to build confidence and capability in handling people matters independently
- Act as the first point of contact for all ER queries, providing timely, pragmatic and commercially balanced advice
- Lead and manage ER cases end-to-end, ensuring accurate documentation, risk assessment and compliance with employment law
- Identify trends and themes across DC and Retail, using insights to recommend proactive interventions
- Support the development and enhancement of policies, processes and toolkits to ensure best practice
- Work closely with the wider People Team to ensure alignment, consistency and a seamless People service
- Support the People Advisors with ER-related administration and case tracking
- Deliver training sessions and workshops to DC and Retail managers on ER topics and people leadership
- Be the voice of our DC and Retail colleagues by listening, gathering feedback and sharing insights with the wider business
What you’ll need:
- Strong operational ER experience, with confidence managing a wide range of cases
- Experience coaching and developing managers to build people leadership capability
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Commercial acumen and the ability to balance risk with business needs
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
- Solid IT skills and comfort working with systems, trackers and case management tools
- Ability to translate People strategy into practical, operational ER support
- Ability to travel regularly across the UK
What we will offer you:
- Hybrid working
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Up to 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
- 2 extra (paid!) days off per year to volunteer in the local community
- 50% discount
- Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance
- Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Pension Contribution
We are committed to creating an environment where we can all be proud to work and be ourselves. Part of this commitment is being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, and age.
ER Specialist · Distribution Centre & Customer Care · in Leicester employer: White Stuff
At White Stuff, we pride ourselves on being a people-centric employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As an ER Specialist based in our Leicester Distribution Centre, you will enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for personal growth through coaching and training. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare support and community volunteering days, making us an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ER Specialist · Distribution Centre & Customer Care · in Leicester
✨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 White Stuff!
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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 White Stuff.
We think you need these skills to ace ER Specialist · Distribution Centre & Customer Care · in Leicester
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 White Stuff. 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 White Stuff 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 White Stuff. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to White Stuff'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 White Stuff
✨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 White Stuff.
✨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 White Stuff 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 White Stuff and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.