Head of People

WHO WE ARE:

Soul Foods Group is a leading multinational quick-service restaurant franchisee. Founded in 1985, we are a family-owned business that has rapidly grown to own and manage almost 400 restaurants across the U.K. and Canada. We have recently received private equity investment to support our ambitious global growth plans. We work with some of the most beloved food and coffee brands, including Burger King, KFC, Starbucks and Taco Bell. Our mission is to make a difference to people’s lives, their opportunities and their communities through great tasting food and coffee.

OUR MISSION

To make a difference to people's lives, their opportunities, and their communities through great tasting food and coffee.

OUR VISION

To build a global food and coffee business, rewarding an engaged and diverse workforce with career and life opportunities, connecting with communities through great tasting food and coffee, and making a difference by giving back in abundance.

MORE ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for an experienced Head of People who will devise, implement and manage professional and robust HR practices and policies as well as working with the UK Leadership team to deliver the SFG UK strategy. This individual will support the Leadership, Management and Restaurant teams in managing all aspects of employee engagement, recruitment, process adherence, compliance with relevant laws and regulations. In turn shaping a positive work culture by championing our values and operational HR across all levels of the organisation; this successful candidate will also oversee the office from a HR perspective.

This role will report directly to the UK General Manager and have line management responsibilities to HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition Partner and HR Administrator.

This role will be office based in Rickmansworth and will require travel to our stores and restaurants across England when needed.

YOU WILL DO*:

Drive our People Culture

• Drive and manage the provision of people management and support the ongoing development of our people & culture.
• Support a culture of nurture an inclusive workplace that gets the best out of our people and facilitating and implementing action plans from our brand specific employee feedback programs.
• Implement and lead SFG UK education/apprenticeship schemes utilising all levy funding effectively to ensure we retain the employees we develop.

Develop our Processes

• Develop and ongoingly review and update people-related policies and procedures as well as the management and ongoing review of all employment contracts.
• Manage the employee onboarding process, including orientation sessions and ensure effective assimilation into the role.
• In collaboration with HR team which includes HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition Partner, Regional Training Leaders and HR Administrator, continue to design organisational structures, job roles, and talent management processes to drive our business strategy.
• Develop and move the HR aspects of the business forward in alignment with the UK Leadership team and SFG UK strategy

Strengthen our Knowledge

• Lead on all employee relations matters ensuring they are handled fairly and consistently in line with legal requirements and policies and procedures
• Participate in related hearings and investigations conducted by outside agencies, such as Employment Tribunal, Occupational Health, HMRC, Unions, Tupe, Consultation process etc.
• Provide advice to managers on any performance management issues, ensuring adherence to employment law via Peninsula

Collaboration is Key

• In partnership with the Operations Directors, manage the people planning process for all brands to ensure the right resources at the right time for the location to allow for consistency and alignment with the SFG UK strategy without duplication of work.
• Manage People Planning Process, for all brands and SFG UK aligning strategy to ensure consistency without duplication of work.
• In collaboration with the Operations Directors, implement reward & recognition programs and Leadership Development initiatives
• Work closely with the Finance and Payroll team to ensure the accurate processing of new starter paperwork and payroll
• Drive people performance cycle including of EOY process, pay related reviews and national minimum wage process working closely with payroll manager to ensure all actions are completed in a timely manner, with correct communications to all departments and employees
• Support internal communications and yearly planning cycle
• Manage 3rd party HR suppliers and contractors e.g Peninsula. Health Assured, Lifetime Apprenticeships and external training providers
• Lead the HR team in delivering the above.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Essential - Minimum of five (5) years Human Resources experience, including minimum of three (3) years in a role as HR Manager/ HR Business Partner.
• Essential – Minimum CIPD level 5 or BA Hons degree in relevant course of study eg. Human Resources Management, Employment Law.
• Desirable – Experience working with external stakeholders and equity brands partners
• Held a previous position of seniority - HR Business Partner with a team of direct reports at minimum, able to establish credibility & build department accountability
• Ability to problem solve & demonstrate operational and strategic skills
• World-class relationship builder and people person who fundamentally cares about our people and genuinely connecting with the brand
• Proven Employee Relations experience including advising on disciplinary and grievance issues with the ability to apply the relevant legal principles and risk assessment
• Outstanding communication skills – able to deliver bad news and give it a positive outlook as well as ability to present and influence at all levels including board.
• Prior experience of leading and empowering a small team, managing diverse personalities & viewpoints, consequently emotional intelligence and collaboration is vital
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and working with a high degree of autonomy and initiative to deliver results but also being mindful of working in a fast paced environment with constant change.
• Demonstrates commercial acumen – partners with the business to deliver commercially focused people strategies as well as produce people data aligned with the strategy
• Collaborative nature: willing to work constructively with input from peers and seniority
• Personal efficiency, time management skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands are key
• Role Modelling - as a member of the leadership team, be that true Soul Foods ambassador really leading on the embedding of our values & driving our first-class culture.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy skills, skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to communicate confidently, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Proof of right to work in the UK on a full time, permanent basis.
• Full UK Driving Licence

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• Part of a great team & the Soul family
• 5.6 weeks holiday allowance
• Life Assurance
• Private medical
• Training & Development opportunities including Apprenticeships at every level!
• Joining an established, successful, and growing franchise.

Soul Foods Group are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all colleagues. If you do require any reasonable adjustments or support during the application process; please contact soulcareers@soulfoodsgroup.com

Your data will be processed in accordance with Soul Foods Group of companies Data Privacy Notice for New Applicants. To view this document, please contact soulcareers@soulfoodsgroup.com