People and Culture Manager

IKEA; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global retailer in Peterborough is seeking a People and Culture Manager to lead and develop their people strategy. This role involves guiding the P&C strategy, coaching Business Partners, and ensuring compliance with employment standards within a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, strong problem-solving abilities, and a focus on building positive relationships. The role offers a starting salary from £45,000, with flexible working options and various employee benefits, including discounts and leave policies.

Benefits

15% IKEA discount

Life Assurance

Enhanced Parental Leave

Interest-free loans

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume distribution or retail sector is beneficial.
• Ability to develop strategies and manage HR issues effectively.
• Competence in coaching and supporting stakeholders across levels.

Responsibilities

• Guide and implement P&C strategy with stakeholders.
• Lead and coach P&C Business Partners for succession planning.
• Monitor labor issues that could risk IKEA.
• Ensure compliance with IKEA Employment standards.
• Contribute to business planning and meetings.

Skills

Leadership experience

People and Culture expertise

Relationship building

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Education

Relevant University degree

Job description

IKEA Peterborough, Customer Distribution Centre are looking to welcome a People and Culture Manager. Our team of over 1,200 coworkers performs in a high‑volume, fast‑paced, and agile environment to secure stock availability in our multi‑channel market. We are looking to recruit a People and Culture Manager who is motivated to lead with purpose and will shape and develop our people strategy with a business perspective.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The start date of employment will be: January 2027.
• Starting salary from £45,000 per annum, based on competence and experience.
• 39 hours working 5 days per week includes weekends and late nights.
• We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

• 15% IKEA discount & discount portal helping you save £100’s on High‑street retailers.
• Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions & interest‑free loans.
• First Day Of School Paid Leave for Parents.
• Enhanced Parental Leave.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE

• Value & culture driven leadership experience; senior functional experience would be beneficial.
• Relevant experience in People and Culture within the distribution, retail or a related high‑volume sector is beneficial but not essential.
• Relevant University degree is beneficial but not essential.
• Able to build positive relationships and create a culture where everyone feels valued.
• Experience of the following is beneficial: Strategy development and stakeholder relations; Performance Management; HR Issue Resolution and Policy Management; Business Model Guidance.
• Proven ability to prioritise and organise your workload to make the most efficient use of available time and meet agreed goals and deadlines.
• Confidence to express ideas and opinions effectively through clear communication to influence and build effective relationships across all levels.
• You have effective problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities, particularly when faced with operational challenges.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY

• Guide and implement operational requirements, collaborating with stakeholders to support the implementation of the full range of People and Culture (P&C) strategy, solutions and activities.
• Lead and coach the P&C Business Partners and Coordinators within the unit to provide support to the business and to build succession planning within the country.
• Identify, evaluate and monitor actual and potential labour issues evolving internally or externally that could create significant risks for IKEA.
• Supervise the implementation and follow up on the IKEA Employment standards and compliance in your unit, ensuring Ingka Total Rewards strategy is followed.
• Participate and represent People & Culture in strategic business plan development and ongoing business meetings and decisions.
• Coach Line Managers on solutions related to workforce, talent, co‑worker engagement, organisational effectiveness, change management and Ingka Total Rewards, ensuring they develop business and leadership competence and performance management for today and tomorrow.
• Actively foster an open dialogue with co‑workers, their associations and other organisations, contributing to the successful involvement of co‑worker committees/trade unions to secure social partner commitment and alignment to the business needs and strategic goals.
• Ensure that the talent and succession goals for the assigned business areas are being consciously achieved, providing advice and expertise to line managers to secure a quality and timely process.
• Provide co‑worker relations expertise, insights and advice to the business functions and Unit P&C Business Partners in collaboration with Co‑worker Relations Specialists.

WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE

It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us and feel valued in the workplace.

Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION

Please let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible. This role will be open for applications until 10th December 2025.

• Please attach an updated CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation for the role, allowing us to get to know you better.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete and submit their PI prior to interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited by email to attend an interview.

We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way.

Please contact Sharon Pearce if you have any questions about the role. For recruitment experience questions, contact Janice Chalkley, [e-mail], and she will be happy to help.