Unilever
People Partner
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People Partner
Location: Kingston
Job Purpose
A People Partner is a crucial role within People Experience in markets where line managers and employees are supported in critical employee moments. They work with various teams within the HR network, leading and maintaining Employee Excellence and delivering relevant care for Tier 2 of our service delivery model. In this capacity, a successful People Partner will lead two broad areas.
The first is end-to-end leadership on all matters related to employee relations and conflict resolution, with the goal of maintaining a positive work environment and minimizing reputational and compliance risks.
The second area involves driving ‘Tier 2 Care’ within our Service Delivery model, where you will advise on and resolve complex local policy, regulatory or legal escalations and handle complex cases requiring market intervention or decisions.
Responsibilities
End-to-End Employee Excellence Responsibilities
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Employee Relations:
- Serve as the first point of contact for employees and line managers on employee relations matters.
- Lead all employee relations activities with line managers, ensuring compliance and correct interpretation of all relevant employment legislation, HR policies, and HR practices.
- Provide leadership and expert guidance on performance improvement, disciplinary actions, grievance handling, collective and individual consultation, and redundancy processes.
- Offer hands-on support, including writing scripts, collating investigation reports, and drafting outcome letters to support cases through to completion.
- Assist with the resolution of conflicts or disputes, instilling confidence in managers and employees by being unbiased and neutral in facilitating resolutions.
- You will also play a key role in upholding Unilever’s standards of behaviour and company’s code of business principles.
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Proactive Employee Relations and Manager Support:
- Identify ER trends and coach line managers, recommending solutions to address root causes of issues.
- This will include building leader and organisation capability where required, to reduce employee relations incidents/issues.
- Take proactive steps to tackle problems early.
- Coach and support line managers on an individual basis, advising on individual employee relation cases (e.g., performance, grievance, disciplinary, conflict).
- Stay up to date with changes in employment legislation and HR practices.
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Enabling Tier 2 Care in our Service Delivery Model:
- Complex HR Case management
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices on all matters and decisions across the business.
- This is enabled by an end to end understanding of HR processes.
- Work side-by-side with relevant experts and decision makers in HR (HRBPs, Payroll, Reward, Talent etc), providing support and subject matter expertise to recommend appropriate decisions / actions to address complex HR queries or problems.
- Provide hire-to-retire support where there is a legal, fiscal, or regulatory requirement.
- Be accountable for resolving complex policy cases, including areas such as absence management, family leave, and flexible working cases.
- Lead restructuring efforts at the employee level, including conducting severance conversations (as per consultation and process requirements).
- Complex HR Case management
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- Liaison & Country Contact
- Relevant input and support on knowledge management requirements to enable our Service Delivery Model.
All About You
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in an ER-heavy operational HR role (e.g. HR Advisor, HR Generalist, ER Specialist)
- In depth knowledge of UK employment law applicable to HR policies and practices, and navigating how these relate to employee relations (ER) case management
- Ability to provide strong and carefully thought-out ER advice to Line Managers and HR professionals across the business
- Extensive experience (and demonstrable expertise) of navigating complex multi-faceted employee relations matters through to conclusion
- Experience in working with Unions is preferred
- Has a genuine passion for People Needs/Partnership, Problem Solving, and negotiation, that drive people & business performance
- Strong organization skills as well as attention to detail and diligence
- Ability to work independently and in a matrix teamwork environment
Skills
- Stakeholder Management
- Collaboration
- Problem Solving
Unilever Behaviours
- Care deeply
- Focus on what counts
- Stay three steps ahead
- Deliver with excellence
What We Offer
Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, free gym, a discounted staff shop, and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment. Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes, and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.
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Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities, and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, click here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
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How is Unilever tackling this?
- Many of Unilever’s recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud.
- The Cyber Security team also proactively scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act to close them down.
What can I do?
- If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts, or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat.
- Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud.
- Your vigilance is key!
We are one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies with amazing brands, dynamic people, and a sustainable vision. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene, and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good, and get more out of life. If you are ambitious, keen to learn, and want to lead, you have come to the right place. Explore our website and apply to be part of a company with more than 400 brands used by over two billion people every day.
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