Employee Relations Advisor Job at Apricot (London & Biggleswade)

Job Description

Based between our warehouse in central Bedfordshire and our London head office, our Employee Relations Advisor will be the go-to person for first-line ER queries from our warehouse and retail teams. You’ll thrive in being hands-on and will play an important role in supporting our people, while also helping to manage the day-to-day administration of our HR systems (HRIS) and assisting the People Partner and Head of HR with policy development and updates. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being part of a small, close-knit HR team, working in a business with a flat structure where every voice counts. We’re looking for someone who can get to know the business quickly, build strong relationships, and contribute to existing working practices.

Job Responsibility

Trusted first point of contact for managers and staff on all employee relations (ER) matters – offering clear, practical advice and escalating to the HR Partner or Head of HR when needed
Support the management team with people-related admin and help ensure a smooth onboarding and offboarding experience for warehouse team members
Coach and guide managers through formal processes such as investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, and flexible working requests – making sure everything’s handled fairly and in line with legislative and procedural requirements
Get involved in recruitment: posting vacancies through our ATS, liaising with agencies, and supporting hiring managers along the way
Stay connected with the team through an open-door approach and regular check-ins – spotting potential ER issues early and helping prevent escalation
Support the management team to monitor performance and address any concerns both during and after the probation period
Build strong, trusted relationships across the warehouse – through timely responses, open conversations, and transparent processes
Become our in-house expert on the Time & Attendance system, ensuring accurate payroll reporting and finding ways to get the most out of the software
Act as the first point of contact for payroll queries, escalating when needed
Use data to spot trends in sickness or turnover and make recommendations to the Warehouse Manager, HR Partner, and Head of HR on how to reduce persistent short-term sickness or improve unwanted turnover
As part of the wider HR team, act as a point of contact for day to day queries (for example, AWOL, performance/ capability discussions, posting job adverts. Escalate to the HR Partner/ Head of HR when necessary
Administrative support for new starters, contract variations and leavers
Provide notetaking support for formal meetings (in-person or virtually, dependant on location)
Manage the shared HR inbox – responding to queries where possible and redirecting where needed
Keep employee data accurate and up to date in the HRIS
Support the ongoing development of HRIS capability to automate admin processes, reducing workload for the HR team and line managers
Support the HR Partner with responses to ONS surveys
Manage reference requests for all new starters in the warehouse and retail stores
Support the HR partner and Head of HR with ongoing projects and policy development

Requirements

Solid HR experience within retail (warehouse experience is a bonus, but not essential)
Background in an owner-led business would be ideal
Able to balance the ideal with the realistic — understanding when to make a sensible, pragmatic call
Confident making commercial decisions and understands when a calculated risk is the best outcome for the business
CIPD qualified (or working towards it) is great, but hands-on experience counts just as much
Strong influencing and relationship-building skills — you know how to challenge constructively and earn respect
Great listener, well-organised, and excellent at managing your time
Intermediate + user of MS Office (Outlook, Word & Excel)
Highly numerate
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail
Understands the status quo and when it is appropriate to challenge this

Nice to have

Passionate about the Apricot brand and the fashion industry
a true brand ambassador
Delivers results in a timely manner
Remains calm under pressure, even when priorities shift
Able to self-manage and happy to take the initiative
Relentlessly looks to improve working processes and practices with a commercial approach
Resilient and tenacious, remaining positive in the face of challenge or adversity
Accountable – focussed on finding solutions, not placing blame
Curious and resourceful and ready to learn when you don’t have all the answers

What we offer

Free On-site parking at the Biggleswade Warehouse
Free snacks and fruit
Staff discount

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Employee Relations Advisor

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