Date: 19 Aug 2026
Location: Mitcham, GB
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Company: Hovis
Welcome to Hovis. We are the proud guardians of over 130 years of baking experience that make up our iconic and much-loved brand. We produce bread and bakery products created with Hovis goodness at the heart of each. We deliver around 1.3million loaves, every day of the week throughout the UK and Ireland, where we also make Mothers Pride and Ormo products.
We are 2,800 people working within 8 bakeries, 1 flour mill, and 2 regional distribution centres across the UK. Our success is a result of the hard work of our people; they are experts in their field whether it’s baking, manufacturing, logistics, engineering, or the many departments within the central functions team based in our head office in High Wycombe. We are a values-led business and expect our colleagues to live, breathe, and embed Quality, Accountability, and Trust into their ways of working.
This role is a 6-month fixed-term contract
Role Purpose:
To work in collaboration with the Human Resources Manager to deliver against the Hovis People Strategy. To ensure a fair and consistent approach to the Company’s policies and procedures, promoting a positive ER culture, whilst minimising risks. To assist and support with all HR administrative tasks including payroll, compliance, accurate recording of employee data and end to end employee lifecycle processing. To act as a first point of contact for all colleagues seeking HR support or guidance.
Key Accountabilities:
Engagement with all functions of the business to address HR related queries and support dispute or performance resolution, including informal dispute management, performance management, investigation, chairing disciplinary and capability hearings up to and including dismissal.
End to end case management of employee relations casework; to include investigation, disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management etc in line with Company Policy.
Effective and proactive absence management; engaging with onsite Occupational Health team as required to manage work related health issues and long-term sickness absence.
Adherence to company policy, procedure and process as defined by HR policy and ACAS best practice. Up to date knowledge of employment law.
Manage all administrative processes to support the end-to-end employee lifecycle.
Deliver the induction process for new starters. Oversee the probationary process, providing support to managers and escalating issues to the HR Manager as appropriate.
Keep our HR & Payroll system up to date and GDPR compliant, resolving queries as required. Assist in production of HR reporting requirements including employee numbers/HR statistics etc.
Uphold confidentiality and efficiently maintain access to all personal and sensitive data in accordance with GDPR legislation.
Provide guidance, support and coaching to line managers in the implementation of people processes and effective people management supporting & coaching line managers in the implementation of core people processes.
Work alongside the HR Manager to drive the alignment & execution of the People Strategies & Plans to develop, keep and enhance the contribution of employees to the short and long-term business needs.
Support and drive Hovis Initiatives - ensure the culture & working environment is open, fair and equitable.
Work with Trade Union representatives to foster an effective and beneficial industrial relations partnership on site. Attend union meetings with a view to gaining understanding of priorities and proactively support the building of positive working relationships between our line managers and union representatives.
Knowledge/ Skills/ Experience:
Demonstrate strong employee relations case management experience.
High level of literacy and good knowledge of Microsoft office packages.
Previous experience working in a unionised environment.
CIPD Level 3 qualified or equivalent by experience.
In depth knowledge of UK employment laws, as well as a strong foundation and understanding of HR principles, practices and legal compliance requirements.
Behavioural Competencies:
Great collaboration and communication skills
Ability to influence key stakeholders up to Site Lead level.
Demonstrate resilient behaviours; ability to uphold fairness and consistency when challenged or in the face of opposition.
Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and uphold confidentiality.
Why work for us and our benefits:
At Hovis, we understand the importance of looking after our colleagues, so we provide a variety of benefits in addition to their salaries. The benefits we provide at Hovis are as varied as the people who receive them but they are offered with the intention of creating value to them personally over and above their salaries
There is a range of colleague benefits available, which individuals can select based on their needs.
Our benefits scheme is called Hovis Choice, which offers a variety of savings and cashback offers on day to day living and much more including eyecare vouchers, and a healthcare scheme to suit everyone. It also includes our Cycle to Work scheme where you can obtain a brand new bike at a significant saving
We offer competitive annual leave entitlement and flexibility where possible in order to create a healthy work-life balance
We celebrate loyalty with our generous long service and colleague recognition schemes
We offer three levels of pensions
Hovis values diversity and is committed to promoting equal opportunities in the workplace. Every job applicant, employee or worker will be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, social class, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, union membership, political opinion, sex, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.
