HR Business Partner

About CDS Superstores International Limited

CDS Superstores International Limited is a growing business committed to delivering operational excellence and outstanding service across its network. Our distribution operations are central to our continued success, and our people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking to recruit an HR Business Partner to join our team at our Stowmarket Distribution Centre, reporting to the Senior HR Business Partner.

Contract Type

Full Time / Permanent

Role Purpose

The HR Business Partner will provide operational HR support in the Stowmarket Distribution Centre, partnering closely with the site leadership team to deliver people-focused solutions that support operational performance, colleague engagement, and organisational growth.

Working within a fast-paced logistics and distribution environment, the role will support the delivery of the people agenda through effective employee relations management, workforce planning, talent development, change management, and HR best practice. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to operational leaders while ensuring compliance with employment legislation and company policies.

This role reports directly to the Senior HR Business Partner and plays a key role in driving a positive, high-performance culture across both distribution centres.

Key Responsibilities

HR Business Partnering

• Partner with operational management team in Stowmarket to support the achievement of business objectives.
• Provide proactive HR guidance and coaching to managers on all people-related matters.
• Support the implementation of HR strategies aligned to operational and business priorities.
• Build strong working relationships across all levels of the business to promote engagement and collaboration.
• Act as a trusted advisor on organisational design, workforce planning, and people capability.

Employee Relations

• Manage employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, capability, and performance matters.
• Ensure consistent and legally compliant application of company policies and procedures.
• Support managers with investigations, hearings, and appeals where required.
• Identify ER trends and recommend proactive solutions to minimise risk and improve colleague experience.
• Promote positive employee relations and support engagement initiatives across both sites.

Recruitment & Talent

• Support end-to-end recruitment activities for operational and management vacancies.
• Work with hiring managers to identify workforce requirements and succession plans.
• Support onboarding and induction processes to ensure an effective colleague experience.
• Assist in developing talent pipelines within the distribution network.
• Promote internal development and career progression opportunities.

Performance & Development

• Support the delivery of performance management processes across the sites.
• Coach managers on performance improvement and development planning.
• Identify training and development needs in partnership with operational leaders.
• Support learning initiatives to improve capability, leadership effectiveness, and colleague retention.

Change Management

• Support organisational change projects including restructures, TUPE activity, and operational transformation initiatives where required.
• Provide HR support during periods of change ensuring clear communication and colleague engagement.
• Assist with consultation processes in line with legal and company requirements.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Support initiatives that improve employee engagement, wellbeing, retention, and attendance.
• Promote company values and foster an inclusive working environment.
• Assist in the coordination of engagement surveys and action planning activities.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams to drive a positive site culture.

HR Metrics, Compliance & Payroll

• Monitor and analyse HR KPI data including absence, turnover, agency usage, vacancies, payroll accuracy and ER trends.
• Produce reports and insights to support business decision-making.
• Work closely with Payroll Teams and operational management to ensure accurate and timely payroll submissions
• Ensure HR records and systems are maintained accurately and confidentially.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and internal policies.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in an HR Business Partner or Senior HR Advisor role within logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, retail, or distribution environments.
• Strong employee relations experience within a fast-paced operational setting.
• Sound knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Ability to build credibility and relationships at all levels.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR systems.

Desirable

• Experience within large-scale distribution centre operations.
• Experience supporting change management or transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of workforce planning and operational HR analytics.

Personal Attributes

• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercially aware with a pragmatic approach.
• Confident decision-maker with strong integrity.
• Collaborative and team-oriented.
• Proactive and solutions-focused.
• Passionate about people and operational excellence.

Working Relationships

Internal

• Senior HR Business Partner
• Head of HR
• Distribution Centre General Manager
• Operations Manager and Shift Managers
• Payroll and Recruitment Teams
• Health & Safety Teams
• Colleagues across Distribution Operations

Additional Information

• Flexibility to support operational requirements outside standard office hours may occasionally be required.
• CDS Superstores International Limited is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all colleagues are treated fairly and with respect.