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- Tasks: Lead and optimise HR systems to enhance efficiency and support our team.
- Company: Join Wickes, a dynamic retailer with a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a fun, supportive team that values your contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR tech while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex HRIS and strong problem-solving abilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced HR Systems professional ready to optimise HR technology, take ownership of complex issues, and step into a leadership pipeline within a dynamic retail environment? Do you thrive on ensuring robust, efficient HR systems that support our business and colleagues in a collaborative, winning team? If yes, Wickes is the place for you!
We are a digitally led, service-enabled organisation with a project in every home. Our People team seeks a HR Systems Manager to play a critical role in the administration, maintenance, and operational integrity of our core HR systems. You will ensure effective configuration and support, act as a key escalation point, provide expert guidance, drive continuous improvement, and work closely with the HR Systems Product Owner, HR System Analysts, HR Services, and key suppliers. This role offers a clear opportunity to develop your skills into a full HR Systems Manager role within a Product Led environment. This is a full-time position with 3 days working at our Northampton site on a weekly basis.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead HR system configurations to meet evolving operational needs.
- Define, manage, and audit user roles, permissions, and security access, ensuring data integrity.
- Direct optimisation and troubleshooting of system workflows and interfaces for efficiency and accuracy.
- Proactively monitor system health; identify, investigate, and ensure resolution of issues and defects, overseeing technical content.
- Oversee identification and raising of system issues/defects with suppliers per agreed procedures.
- Act as primary supplier escalation point for significant operational issues, driving effective resolution.
- Manage internal technical escalations for system performance and functionality with decisive leadership.
- Serve as key escalation point and decision-maker for HR System Analysts on complex system matters.
- Provide expert system support and strategic guidance to the wider HR Services team.
- Manage supplier relationships and lead operational reviews focusing on performance and SLAs.
Release & Change Management Support
- Support the Product Owner in technical implementation of system releases/updates, providing senior technical expertise for testing, deployment stability, and post-release monitoring.
- Champion and support change management for system updates with expert technical guidance and user provisioning oversight.
- Strategically advise the Product Owner on defects, share operational feedback, and suggest system improvements based on performance and user trends.
- Identify and champion opportunities for significant process improvements within HR systems.
- Oversee development and delivery of accurate operational reports and insightful analytics.
- Contribute significantly to HR systems roadmapping (feasibility, lifecycle, risk, impact).
- Collaborate on strategic HR/technical projects (including agile) with senior subject matter expertise.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven track record managing, administering, and configuring complex HRIS (e.g; SAP/Oracle configuration), with strong grasp of workflows, security, and integrations.
- Solid grasp of core HR processes and how technology enhances HR service delivery.
- Demonstrable experience providing expert guidance, critical system decisions, and acting as a key escalation point, ideally mentoring HR System Analysts.
- Strong experience managing HR system supplier relationships, operational reviews, and escalations.
- Excellent ability to swiftly identify root causes of system issues/defects and raise them effectively.
- Outstanding skills in building relationships and engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders (Product Owner, technical teams, HR, users, suppliers).
- Experience providing technical expertise to HR/IT projects (including agile) and supporting system changes.
- Proficiency in data management, ensuring data integrity, and developing insightful system reporting.
What can we offer you?
- Competitive bonus
- Private Medical Healthcare
- Contributory pension scheme
- Discount platform including savings and cashback at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. We have a People Services team in Northampton, where this role is based. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.
Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.3Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is the Wickes’ culture that is considered its best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
HR Systems Manager - Northampton employer: Wickes
Contact Detail:
Wickes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Systems Manager - Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Wickes on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can double your chances of landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Wickes' culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our collaborative and inclusive environment. We love candidates who can demonstrate they’re a good fit for our team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex HR system issues. We want to see your analytical side in action, so come prepared with stories that highlight your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Wickes family.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Systems Manager - Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the HR Systems Manager role. Highlight your technical expertise with HRIS and any leadership experience you've had, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about HR systems and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture at Wickes. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex system issues in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet and provide effective solutions, so don't hold back on sharing your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Wickes!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wickes
✨Know Your HR Systems Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HRIS, especially if you've worked with systems like SAP or Oracle. Be ready to discuss specific configurations and workflows you've managed in the past, as this will show your deep technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified and resolved complex system issues. Highlight your analytical skills by discussing a time when you swiftly pinpointed a root cause and implemented a solution, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
Think of instances where you've provided guidance to others, particularly HR System Analysts. Emphasise your ability to mentor and lead teams, as well as your experience in managing supplier relationships and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Change Management Discussions
Since the role involves supporting system updates and change management, prepare to talk about your experience with project and change initiatives. Share how you've championed process improvements and contributed to successful system changes in previous roles.