At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.
From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.
As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced People Services Advisor to join our People Services team. This role is ideally suited to an individual with substantial experience in a similar People Services, HR Shared Services, or People HR Advisory position, who has a proven track record of managing complex, sensitive, and high-volume employee relations and people-related matters within a fast-paced environment.
As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality HR support, advice, and guidance to managers and colleagues across the business, ensuring a consistent, efficient, and customer-focused shared service. We are looking for someone with a strong background in People or HR Shared Services, excellent knowledge of HR processes and employment practices, and the confidence to navigate complex queries with professionalism and sound judgement.
What you’ll do:
Reporting into the People Services Manager your main areas of responsibility will be:
- Lead and support HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance People Services processes, systems, and ways of working to improve efficiency, data accuracy, service delivery, and the overall employee experience through automation and simplification where appropriate
- Contribute to the development and refinement of standard operating procedures to increase efficiency and accuracy
- Reinforce the requirement for consistent application of Gist policy and process, whilst providing clear and timely guidance to the business
- Supporting with embedding and reinforcing best practice, encouraging colleagues to follow the correct processes
- Guiding and supporting team members with first line support / policy queries from colleagues and site people teams
- Produce standard and ad-hoc reports to support business insight, data analytics and data-led decision making
- Monitor and maintain data integrity and accuracy in the processes administered by the People Services Administrators, ensuring compliance with GDPR and internal governance standards
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and customer service excellence within the People Services team, ensuring all interactions reflect our commitment to service quality and consistency
- Provide administrative support throughout the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, changes during employment (such as promotions or role changes), and offboarding
- Take responsibility for complex, time-critical, and highly sensitive People Services requests, including HR and senior leadership changes, preparing and issuing accurate and confidential employment contracts and offer letters for new hires, promotions, and internal transfers, ensuring compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and agreed timelines
- Conduct right-to-work checks and manage employment documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant employment legislation, visa requirements, and company policies, while maintaining accurate records for audit and compliance purposes
- Stay up-to-date with changes in employment law and best practice across the HR function
- Assist with audits and reporting to ensure ongoing compliance with internal and external requirements
- Manage and resolve queries through the HR shared services helpdesk or ticketing system in a timely and efficient manner
Who you are:
- Significant experience within a People Services, HR Shared Services, or HR Advisory environment and possess the confidence to independently manage complex HR queries and stakeholder relationships
- Strong understanding of HR processes from onboarding to offboarding,, particularly related to contract administration and right-to-work checks
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in processing HR transactions
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise workload effectively
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to liaise confidently with internal stakeholders
- Collaborative team player who contributes to a positive, high-performing service culture, who can also work well independently
- Ability to remain calm, composed and solutions-focussed in challenging situation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with HRIS systems (e.g., SAP, Workday, or similar platforms)
- Demonstrate strong attention to confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive employee information, with a sound understanding of data protection requirements and a commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of employee data
- Knowledge of employment legislation, particularly around right-to-work compliance
Role details:
Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum + Bonus (DOE)
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday (A level of flexibility is expected to ensure effective operational coverage)
What’s in it for you?
As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:
- 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
- Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
- Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
- Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance
- Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
- Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
- A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
- Cycle to work scheme
Why Gist?
When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.
You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.
Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.
Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.
Our commitment to inclusion
At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.
We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.
Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.
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