Are you an experienced People Advisor who loves getting stuck into the real people challenges, rather than spending your days buried in HR administration? If you enjoy building relationships, supporting managers through tricky situations and making a genuine difference to how people are managed and supported, this could be a brilliant opportunity.
At Syme Drummond, we're working exclusively with an established business in the distribution sector to recruit a People Advisor to join their experienced and collaborative People team.
This is a hands-on, varied role where employee relations and manager support are at the heart of what you'll do.
There's a real focus on giving the successful person the opportunity to get involved in meaningful advisory work, helping managers navigate people challenges, develop their confidence and create positive outcomes across the business.
And while you'll have the autonomy to take ownership of your work, you'll also have an experienced People team around you to collaborate with and lean on when needed.
What will you be getting involved in?
You'll be working closely with managers and colleagues across a busy operational environment, with responsibilities including:
- Providing practical, people-focused advice on employee relations matters, including absence, performance, conduct, capability, grievances and disciplinary cases.
- Coaching and supporting managers to build their confidence in handling people-related challenges.
- Getting involved in manager development initiatives, including practical training, knowledge-sharing and improved resources.
- Building strong, trusted relationships with colleagues at all levels, offering guidance and constructive challenge when needed.
- Supporting workforce planning and recruitment activity to help the business meet its operational needs.
- Using People data and reporting to identify trends and support informed decisions.
- Contributing to employee engagement initiatives, policy improvements and wider People projects.
- Developing positive working relationships with employee and trade union representatives.
A little about you...
We're looking for someone who knows their way around employee relations, enjoys working with people and feels confident providing practical advice in a busy environment.
You'll ideally bring:
- Solid experience in a generalist HR or People Advisor role, with a strong background in employee relations and case management.
- The confidence to advise, coach and constructively challenge managers, even when conversations aren't always straightforward.
- A good working knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Experience in a fast-paced operational environment, such as distribution, manufacturing, engineering or similar.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with an approachable and down-to-earth style.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, use your initiative and take ownership of your workload.
- Confidence working with HR systems, Excel and People reporting.
Experience working in a unionised environment would be particularly beneficial, and while a CIPD qualification would be welcomed, we place just as much value on practical, hands-on experience.
It would also be great if you're confident using Microsoft Excel to analyse People data, track key HR metrics and produce meaningful reports that support workforce planning and informed decision-making.
Above all, you'll be someone who's pragmatic, resilient and genuinely enjoys the people side of HR. Someone who can balance empathy with sound judgement, build credibility quickly and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves!
What's in it for you?
Alongside the opportunity to get involved in meaningful HR work, you'll be joining an established People team where you can share ideas, contribute to improvements and make a positive impact.
The package includes:
- Salary of up to £37,500
- 14-month fixed-term contract
- Hybrid working – typically one day from home each week, with the option of up to two days
- 28 days' annual leave plus public holidays
- Private healthcare
- Flexible pension contributions
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Perks at Work benefits
- On-site parking
- Subsidised canteen
- Some flexibility around working hours
Sound like your kind of opportunity?
If you're an experienced People Advisor who enjoys the variety of a hands-on role, values being part of a supportive team and wants the opportunity to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with Nikky at Syme Drummond to find out more or apply today – nikky.dinning@symedrummond.co.uk.