Job Title: 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:
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.
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.
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).
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
NOTES
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.
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.
Recruitment Fraud
Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs. These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate.
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!
Skills Required
- 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
- Demonstrable experience navigating complex multi-faceted employee relations matters through to conclusion
- Ability to provide strong and carefully thought-out ER advice to Line Managers and HR professionals
- Experience working with unions
- Strong organisation skills, attention to detail and diligence
- Ability to work independently and in a matrix teamwork environment
- Stakeholder management, collaboration and problem solving skills
Unilever Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Unilever and has not been reviewed or approved by Unilever.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and occupational health support alongside a 24/7 employee assistance program. Wellbeing offerings such as health checks, resilience tools, and counseling support the perceived depth of health-related benefits.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) match that reaches up to 5% of base salary, strengthening the overall value of the package. Share and savings options are also referenced as part of longer-term financial support beyond salary.
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Flexible Benefits — Benefits customization is enabled through tools such as a “My Reward” system and a “Benefits Envelope” that allows employees to personalize selections. Flexible working approaches are also associated with improved overall satisfaction, reinforcing perceived choice and adaptability in the total rewards offering.
Unilever Insights
What We Do
Be part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club and Dermalogica. Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.
