People Partner

About our culture

The Works is such a welcoming place to… well… work!

Our atmosphere is supportive, friendly and inclusive. A second home-from-home where you can be your best and authentic you.
We’ve built an environment that’s busy, always moving, and full of energy. Yet we still make space to share must-watch TV recommendations and our favourite page-turners!

We’re a proactive and hardworking bunch who are dedicated to inspiring and empowering our customers to read, learn, create and play.

It’s the perfect place for people who know how to roll their sleeves up, get creative, and put their passion and imagination to work… we’re people who ‘do’!

If you’re the kind of person who is as ’crafty’, ‘caring’ and ‘can-do’ as we are, then this is the kind of culture for you.

What we will give to you!

• 25% off colleague discount in-store and online (Often increased to 50% off for seasonal offers!)
• 33 days holiday (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Holiday Purchase scheme to increase your annual leave entitlement by 5 extra days per year
• Access to our MyWorks reward platform which has thousands of exclusive online discounts across hundreds of well-known retailers, utilities, holidays and much more!
• Hybrid working – This varies by department, but typically we’re working to 1 or 2 days per week in the office
• Save As You Earn (SAYE) scheme. Become a shareholder and buy your own piece of The Works by buying shares at an exclusive discounted rate direct-from-salary
• Company pension contribution
• Can-Do Academy – Instant access to training and development programmes when it suits you
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Health, Wellbeing and Financial support through the Retail Trust and our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Because you matter!
• Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free Car Parking when on-site at our Support Centre
• Optional Charity Giving schemes – Pennies from Heaven and Give as you Earn
  
  

About the Role

We’re looking for a People Partner, to join our growing People Team here at The Works. You’ll own and deliver a People Plan for your area that aligns with the company objectives and the wider People Team plans. You’ll have the opportunity to partner with heads of department across The Works, and advise, support and coach managers to lead thriving and happy teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the wider People team to define and deliver a People Plan for your area that supports the delivery of the People strategy and company objectives
• Build relationships with our Distribution and Support Centre teams (IT, Finance, Digital, Property, Customer Services, Trading, Supply Chain etc) partnering with and influencing Senior Managers to build and embed people plans
• Work closely with the SC Recruitment Partner to ensure current and future resourcing requirements are met
• Work with Heads of Department to ensure department structures are simple, efficient and fit for purpose
• Create an engagement strategy in your areas of responsibility including listening groups, actions plans, events and communications 
• Advise, support and coach people managers to be effective and confident in the delivery of people processes and procedures
• Work with management to build a high performance culture, agreeing strategies for nurturing their talent, developing their people and tackling team and individual performance issues
• Drive business performance and colleague engagement through the development of our Performance Cycle (induction, objective setting, succession plans & talent management)
• Work closely with the L&D team, to identify training and development requirements for your area and develop appropriate plans to address.
• Provide support on escalated employee relations issues including investigation, grievance, absence and disciplinary procedures, providing advice, guidance and recommending potential courses of action
• Work with the business to deliver key initiatives and manage projects as required
• Lead and facilitate change programmes in your area
• Contributing to wider business projects and initiatives e.g. Diversity & Inclusion, embedding our newly created values and behaviours

 

About you

• ORGANISATION SKILLS – you are able to prioritise your work as there will be lots to juggle!
• COMMUNICATION – communication is key in our business and this role is about building trust and influencing at every level
• CUSTOMER FOCUS – working collaboratively, you build strong and credible relationships with all stakeholders
• TEAM PLAYER – not afraid to ask for/offer help, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in with the team!
• PROBLEM SOLVING – using your common sense, knowledge and experience, you proactively identify and resolve issues and challenges
• LISTENING – you make time to get to know colleagues, their skills, motivations and what’s important to be able to work well together and continuously improve the colleague experience
• RESILIENCE – determined and resourceful, you are committed to delivering the best results for our colleagues

The sought-after experience we’re seeking

• Previous business partnering experience and a demonstrable track record of positive impact
• Experience of working in a fast-paced business
• Experience of generalist HR such as employee relations and recruitment
• Demonstrable experience of managing change and/or projects effectively

 

Finally, the bit about The Works

We are working towards our ambition of becoming one of the most loved retailers in the UK and the go-to place for reading, learning, creativity and play.

We believe in the importance of fun and fulfilment and taking time out to do the things you love.
With 525 stores nationwide and a strong multi-channel proposition, our mission is to offer a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, built on core principles of value, variety and quality.

We’re super proud to be certified as two star ‘Outstanding to work for’ via Best Companies for three years running and a Sunday Times 2020 Top 25 Best Big Companies to work for.

#LI-Hybrid