HEAD OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
THE COMPANY
Caterite Food & Wineservice Limited is a leading food and drink wholesaler based in the Lake District delivering to customers in the North of England and Scotland. After 50 years of Foodservice, the company is entering a new chapter in its history, whilst staying true to the values and service which has guided its success so far.
Caterite is in an exciting period of transformational change with significant developments within its business since the company was acquired by METRO in 2024. METRO is an international specialist in food wholesale, a partner of many small and mid-sized independent companies who have made it their goal to lift the food and hospitality sector to a new level and to take advantage of the unique opportunity that the comprehensive digitization of the industry presentsboth for our customers, who can transform their business for long-term prosperity, and for us.
The group is headed by METRO AG, which acts as the central management holding company. It performs group management functions, particularly in the areas of finance, controlling, legal and compliance. Central management and administrative functions for METRO wholesale are anchored within METRO AG.
The company is transforming online food and wine service through new technologies developed alongside its advanced e-commerce website, by expanding its digital and technical knowledge. Recent investments in infrastructure include Caterite Connect a digital marketplace, warehouse management system, voice picking, microlise vehicle tracking and telematics, niche traceability, electronic proof of delivery (Epods), multi-temperature vehicles, product information management systems and most recently our direct to consumer channel - Caterite Click & Collect.
Caterite has worked hard to establish an enviable reputation for supplying customers with top-quality goods exactly to order, all delivered at competitive prices as part of a fast, friendly and efficient service in which extra is standard.
THE ROLE
The Head of People & Culture will be responsible for all HR topics and strategies related to employees at Caterite (approx. 220).
The role is to secure the companys long-term sustainable growth by developing, executing, and continuously adapting the people strategy that supports METRO strategy. The Head of People & Culture deploys local employee policies and practices and rituals that enforce the company culture. She/he ensures that the right people are in the right job at the right time with the right capabilities and remuneration in collaboration with the local Boards and Corporate functions. The new Head of People & Culture drives consistent performance management across the Company. The position will be based at our head office in Embleton, Cockermouth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Defines appropriate people strategies, policies, and procedures to support the local strategies based on the global sCore strategy and conveys, as well as communicates, its purpose to inspire followership
- Establishes and analyzes organizational health KPIs alongside the Employee Experience Life Cycle (EELC), ensures that all organizational set-up and resources are focused on creating optional value and adaptability, as well as meeting customer needs
- Drives efficiency and simplification throughout the organization
- Ensures that the right people are recruited, promoted and developed to secure solid diverse succession pipelines on all critical roles in the organization and ensures that the choices promote sustainable growth and an environment of diversity and inclusiveness
- Develops a true Food Service Delivery culture of ownership, engagement, execution, and recognition
- Ensures that the right cultural rituals are in place to re-enforce the company culture
- Effectively navigates and leads people through significant shifts in strategy, culture and processes
- Acts as a coach and mentor to the business that leads with integrity and promotes a feedback culture
- Maintains trustworthy communities inside and outside the business, builds up sustainable relationships relevant outside agencies and connects within the METRO landscape
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience of leading a HR function (CIPD Level 7).
- Knowledge of international standards of practice alongside the Employee Experience Life Cycle
- Proven track record of effective management of Labour Relations
- Willingness and ability to both be hands on with all levels of the organization, as well as serve as a strategic partner to senior leaders.
- Able to implement and embrace the business transformation agenda into a well-defined and owned people agenda
- Detailed but at the same time can see the big picture.
- High level of energy, inspirational and influencing skills also presented in communicating to diverse key stakeholders internally and externally
- Achieve ambitious goals with speed
- Take ownership of actions and make responsible decisions
- Ability to provide leadership, work collaboratively on teams, and consult effectively and independently
- Must be fluent in English
- Food Service Industry experience is a plus
SALARY & BENEFITS
- £50,000 £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (40 hours)
- Permanent position
- 28 days holiday inclusive of Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
- Free onsite parking
- Discount company online shopping account
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