Graduate Development Programme - People & Recruitment Coordinator
Employer: Dakota Hospitality Limited (Dakota Hotels)
Location: Manchester, Lancashire, M1 2JL
Pay: £28,500 per year + £2,000 bonus upon completion of programme
Contract Type: Permanent, Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Shift Pattern: Monday‑Friday 10:00‑18:00 after first 6 months (Tuesday‑Saturday occasional shifts during onboarding)
Start Date: 1 July 2026
Closing Date: 18 June 2026
About this job
This 12–18 month graduate programme is designed to fast‑track you into a confident HR generalist and prepare you for an Assistant People Manager role upon completion.
Your role will be People & Recruitment Coordinator reporting directly to the Head of People, supporting a team of 120 staff.
Primary role responsibilities
- Support end‑to‑end recruitment and selection processes
- Deliver engaging training sessions through Dakota Academy
- Manage HR administration, including payroll data and compliance records
- Coordinate performance reviews, internal promotions and annual appraisals
- Drive employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives
- Use HR systems for data‑driven decision making
- Act as a visible and approachable presence in operations, building relationships and delivering training
Applicant requirements
- Minimum of an undergraduate degree within the past three years in Human Resources, Business/Management, Hospitality or Events Management
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Organised, detail‑oriented and able to prioritise tasks
- Proactive, team‑player with a desire to build a career in HR
- Flexibility to work required shift patterns
- Willingness to develop through the programme and remain committed long‑term
What we offer
- Competitive salary and bonus upon completion
- Financial support for CIPD qualification and membership fees
- Employee discounts on stays and dining at Dakota locations
- Wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme and mental health resources
- Flexible working and family‑friendly arrangements
- Access to continuous professional development and learning resources
- Annual appraisal and personal development planning
- Opportunities for internal advancement
About Dakota Hotels
Dakota Hotels is a UK‑based lifestyle brand with hotels and dining venues across major city centres. The company values employee development and has been recognised as a Top Employer.
How to apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to the hiring team. Applications will be reviewed until the closing date.
