Working in partnership with M&S, at Gist we deliver industry-leading logistics and supply chain transformation.
We’re looking for an experienced People Partner to join our team on a 12-month fixed term basis at our Faversham depot, reporting to the Senior People Partner for the South of the UK.
In this role, you’ll work closely with leaders to deliver our People priorities, providing practical, high‑quality support that strengthens leadership, performance and engagement across the site.
What’s in it for you?
Gist is an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and evolving business built on our core values. Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for Gist just that little bit more special.
20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
* 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
* Private Health Insurance
* Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
* Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
* Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
* Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
* Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
* Cycle to work scheme
Hours:
37.5 hours per week
Working pattern:
Monday to Friday
Location:
Faversham, ME13 7TW
What you’ll do:
* Partner closely with the General Manager to shape and deliver the People plan across the depot, using experience and data to guide decisions. As a member of the leadership team, you’ll take time to understand how the operation runs so you are credible and effective
* Lead and coach your direct report, setting clear expectations and maintaining a high standard of delivery as our service offer evolves this year
* Own delivery across the full People lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, talent / performance management, colleague engagement, safety, learning and development initiatives. Success is these being delivered well, and by the right person
* Through strong experience of ER case management, ACAS, tribunals and employment law you’ll support and develop line managers daily to make sound People decisions, dealing with issues early through clear guidance, coaching and (proportionate) challenge
* Strengthen leadership capability, performance management, succession and workforce planning so the operation has the right leaders in place for now and to achieve the M&S Food growth ambitions
* Build and maintain effective working relationships with Trade Union representatives and play a key role in maintaining positive industrial relations, including annual pay discussions
* Work closely with People colleagues and Centres of Excellence to share learnings and make sure colleagues have a consistent experience across Gist
* Maintain accurate people data for the site and use insight to support decision‑making
Who you are:
* You’ll bring significant experience as a People Partner / HR Business Partner working across the full generalist remit, ideally within a logistics, retail or manufacturing environment
* You’re a visible, credible People Partner with the confidence to work closely with site leadership and influence decisions
* You’re comfortable advising and managing complex ER issues and applying employment law with sound judgement and pragmatism
* You have the ability to balance technical knowledge with practicality and hold the right person to account for delivering
* You’re confident working with people data and translating insight into action
* You’re an effective line manager who sets clear standards and supports others to deliver an evolving service offer
* CIPD qualification is desirable but not essential
* Some ad‑hoc travel to other site locations will be required
Why Gist?
At Gist we are united by our core values; with safety and people at the heart of everything do, we are progressive, accountable, collaborative, and ethical.
Our objective is to establish a performance-focused environment that is fair and inclusive, where everyone can develop, and connect meaningfully to their manager, the Gist vision, and M&S. We are fiercely protective of everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing, and align firmly to M&S’s sustainability commitments in Plan A.
Gist will play an integral part in the M&S journey as it pushes boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring era. As part of the M&S group, there’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Join us and make an immediate impact.
Gist aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment. If it’s meaningful to you, it’s important to us.
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