People Business Partner – Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) Are you passionate about supporting colleagues and making a real difference in an established and family-owned business? Brewers Decorators Centre, based in Eastbourne, is seeking an experienced People Business Partner to join our team on a twelve-month fixed-term contract to cover a period of maternity leave. This position is a part-time role for 30 hours a week. We are the largest independent decorator merchants in the UK—perhaps the world We believe in \"playing our part in making the world a brighter place.\" This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative and people-focused environment. Role Overview: As the People Business Partner, you will work closely with our management teams across our head office, Albany House, transport team and warehouse colleagues, totalling over 300 colleagues. You will provide expert advice and support on employee relations, coaching and development, and occupational health matters while contributing to the success of our people-centred initiatives. This role is based primarily at our three locations in Eastbourne – Albany House in the town centre, our Warehouse on Birch Road and our Transport department at Lottridge Drive. You will also support a small team of colleagues based at our national distribution team in Northampton. There may be the option to work at home one or two days a week, depending on business needs and the individual's working pattern. The 30 hours required for this role can be organised over four or five days between 8:30am to 5pm. Please note that due to the work pattern of existing team members, we require that Friday be one of the working days. Key Responsibilities: Employee Relations: As an advisor, you will advise managers on cases, including grievances, disciplinary actions, absence management, and more. You will draft correspondence and attend meetings. Coaching & Development: Support managers through coaching, identifying training needs, and helping develop rising stars within the business. Occupational Health: Manage absence cases, liaise with health providers, and guide managers on return-to-work processes. Teamwork & Support: Collaborate with colleagues across the People, Payroll, and Learning teams to ensure smooth operations and consistency in practice. You will provide support and cover for other team roles when requested, including the Senior Business Partner and People Advisors who support our branch network of over 200 stores. What We’re Looking For: Essential Skills & Experience: Proven experience in a People/HR Advisor or Business Partner role. Strong knowledge of employment law and employee relations. Exceptional organisation, prioritisation, and communication skills. Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to analyse data in Excel. Desirable Skills: Experience in a retail or warehouse environment. Familiarity with HR systems. Personal Attributes: Friendly, approachable, and self-motivated. Able to balance an approach to People matters, which balances the compassionate with the commercial. Adaptable and flexible, able to work under pressure and to deadlines. What We Offer: A supportive and inclusive team environment. Competitive salary and benefits package, see full details on our website - https://jobs.brewers.co.uk/ A culture in which you can be proud to work; take a look at the information about our approach to ED&I, menopause and neurodiversity on our recruitment website https://jobs.brewers.co.uk/supporting-you How to Apply: We'd love to hear from you if you are enthusiastic about supporting people and have the skills and experience we're looking for. To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the Apply Now button on this page, complete the application form, and attach your CV. Please note this role may be removed from listings before the closing date if we successfully find an appointment. Please complete the application process if you wish to be considered for this position. Due to the number of applications we receive, we cannot respond to applicants who have not completed the process. Other job titles associated with this role include People Business Partner, HR Advisor, HR Adviser, Senior HR Advisor, Human Resources Advisor, HR Business Partner, Human Resources Business Partner, People Officer, and HR Officer. Join Brewers and be a part of a family business where people matter