Regional HR Officer - Manchester / North West UK

About the role:

Smyths Toys is one of the world's largest specialty retailers of children's toys. We operate both online, and via our physical retail stores, with hundreds of stores spread across Europe and the UK. We source our product range from an extensive array of UK, European, and international suppliers.

We’re looking for a Regional HR Officer based in Manchester / the North West, with solid knowledge and generalist experience in HR-related activities, practices and policies to look after our stores in the North of the UK and London.

You will utilise your deep generalist HR knowledge and HR systems acumen to provide consultative guidance to our line managers, enabling them to build high-performing teams and maintain rigorous compliance in a fast-paced, evolving retail landscape. A proven track record of coaching and influencing managers is essential.

You’ll also be a self-starter with a tenacious and delivery-focused approach. Flexibility with travel, your own car and a full driving license is also a must, as you’ll be visiting stores spread across fairly large geographical areas and overnight stays will be required.

Salary banding - £30,000 to £37,000 per annum

Responsibilities / duties include:

You’ll be a HR generalist and your responsibilities will include;

Strategic Collaboration: Act as a trusted consultant, collaborating closely with line managers to deliver sound, legally compliant HR advice, empowering them to manage their teams effectively.

HR Systems & Data Integrity: Manage and optimise HR systems, trackers, and databases, ensuring data accuracy and leveraging system capabilities to provide meaningful insights and streamline HR processes.

Compliance & Auditing: Drive high standards of people management by conducting comprehensive HR audits within UK stores and overseeing meticulous compliance with absence management and other critical HR criteria.

Employee Relations Expertise: Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, including attending and advising on investigation, disciplinary, and grievance meetings.

Lifecycle Management Support: Provide expert management support for key employee lifecycle processes, including maternity leave and flexible working applications.

Talent Acquisition Support: Partner with the business to assist with recruitment efforts across all functional areas.

Central Resource: Serve as the primary, reliable point of contact for managers and all employees across the region.

Person specification:

• ​​​​​​Successful candidates would have experience in a HR Advisor / Officer position.


• Good ER knowledge.


• Achieved or working toward CIPD qualification is desirable.


• Strong interpersonal and consulting skills.


• Be able to work with large volumes of work and support cases.


• Be flexible with regards to travel and overnight stays.


• Full UK driving license.

Benefits:

An attractive competitive salary
A benefits package inclusive of:
7.5% matched pension
31 days annual leave rising with length of service
Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
Life Assurance Cover
Employee Assistance Programme
In-store discount
High street discounts
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Payments
Special Life-Event Gifts
Length of Service Awards

This is an exciting opportunity to join and gain experience in a highly successful and dynamic organisation with significant growth plans.