About

Due to an internal promotion, Brakes are delighted to be recruiting a people-focused, highly engaging HR Partner to join our brilliant Commercial team.

If you love building strong relationships, shaping a positive workplace culture, and being right at the point where people and business success meet, this could be your next career step. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking HR team where your ideas will be valued, your expertise trusted, and your work will make a real difference.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to develop their partnering skills and take on a varied, impactful role. Reporting to the HR Business Partner, you’ll work with both the Brakes Independent Sales and Commercial Operations divisions. It’s a perfect balance, providing day-to-day HR support, driving strategic initiatives, and working closely with senior stakeholders across the Commercial side of the business.

Although this role is home-based, you’ll travel as needed to support the business, which may occasionally involve overnight stays.

Key Accountabilities;

• Support the full employee lifecycle, working closely with our HR Centres of Excellence
• Partner with and coach leaders across divisions, helping them achieve success through their people in line with business objectives
• Lead and embed change and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring best practice is applied every step of the way
• Champion our wellbeing and DEI agenda, keeping colleague wellbeing at the heart of everything we do (MHFA’s, DEI Communities etc.)
• Support managers in handling complex ER cases, ensuring a fair, consistent approach aligned with policy
• Facilitate a talent management process that unlocks potential, improves retention, and highlights both development opportunities and career pathways
• Drive a consistent performance management approach by coaching and training managers to help colleagues improve, or supporting fair and appropriate capability processes when needed
• Use people data and insights to identify trends, recommend action, and deliver meaningful initiatives
• Actively manage retention and address absence concerns in partnership with leaders
• Ensure a consistent, engaging onboarding experience for all colleagues and new line managers
• Support managers in driving engagement through Sysco Speaks action plans and other feedback tools
• Deliver against the people plan and HR calendar, ensuring managers have the right training, coaching, and resources to lead effectively
• Support recruitment for manager roles, helping to build leadership capability
• Act as a key contact for local managers on HR & Payroll admin queries, ensuring alignment with HR Shared Service processes and GDPR — and recommending process improvements where appropriate

You;

You’re an experienced HR professional who knows the full employee lifecycle inside and out but what really drives you is helping people reach their full potential. You thrive in a role where no two days are the same and can adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment. Precision, organisation, and juggling multiple priorities are second nature to you.

You bring gravitas and credibility, but you’re also approachable and collaborative. Building trust comes naturally, and you’re confident influencing senior stakeholders in ways that help both people and the business succeed.

In return, we offer a competitive base salary, your choice of car allowance or company car, the option to purchase extra holiday, and access to award-winning products at almost cost price.

At Brakes everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Brakes and we recognise that Brakes can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you. 

Brakes

Built on a passion for food and feeding the nation, we are the UK’s largest foodservice supplier. Every day Brakes deliver the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from our nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nation’s most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals. Our customers depend on us, and our 8,000-strong workforce is dedicated and proud to be part of this vital provision. And we’re growing!