P/T HR Opportunity

Syme Drummond are delighted to working in retained partnership with First Milk to recruit a part-time HR professional at its BV Dairy site in Shaftesbury.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a varied, hands-on HR role within a business that genuinely values its people and local community. With a supportive onboarding experience and the chance to make a real difference, you'll be well placed to build your knowledge, contribute your ideas and make a meaningful impact. As a B Corp organisation, First Milk is part of a global community of businesses committed to balancing purpose with profit and creating a positive impact for people and the planet.

The role offers the benefits of part-time working, with First Milk open to discussing a working pattern that suits both the successful individual and the needs of the business.

Whether you're an experienced HR professional seeking greater work-life balance or ready to take the next step in your career, this could be an exciting opportunity to bring your skills and experience to a business where your contribution truly matters.

The role

You'll work alongside the HR Business Partner to deliver day-to-day HR support, helping managers handle people matters confidently and consistently. Responsibilities will include:

• Providing advice on HR policies, procedures, employment legislation and employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance management.
• Coaching managers to develop their people-management skills, offering practical guidance and constructive challenge where needed.
• Supporting absence management, reviewing trends and working with managers to improve attendance.
• Preparing case-related documentation and maintaining accurate, confidential records.
• Contributing to colleague engagement initiatives, engagement surveys, action planning and employee forums.
• Supporting performance and development reviews, learning activities and manager training.
• Assisting with recruitment, reward and recognition, HR reporting and wider people projects.

The scope of the role will reflect your experience, agreed hours and the needs of the business, with support from the HR Business Partner and wider First Milk HR team.

About you

You'll be a practical, approachable HR professional who enjoys building relationships and helping managers navigate people challenges. You'll be confident communicating with colleagues at all levels, able to manage sensitive matters with discretion and comfortable working in a busy, operational environment.

You'll ideally bring:

• Generalist HR experience and a sound understanding of employment legislation.
• Experience supporting employee relations, including absence, disciplinary, grievance and performance management.
• Strong communication, coaching and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisation, attention to detail and confidence using HR systems and Microsoft Office.
• The ability to interpret HR data and manage competing priorities.

A CIPD qualification, or working towards one, would be desirable, as would experience in manufacturing, FMCG, food or dairy.

The business is also open to applicants currently in HR Assistant or Coordinator roles who have relevant experience and are ready to develop, as well as more experienced professionals seeking a permanent part-time arrangement.

What's on offer?

• Hours: Approximately 16–20 per week, to be agreed.
• Contract: Permanent, site-based.
• Working pattern: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday preferred, but alternative arrangements can be explored.
• Start date: Flexible, with consideration given to notice periods.

Benefits include 34 days' annual holiday inclusive of public holidays (pro rata), 5% employee and 3% employer pension contributions, an annual bonus of up to 3% of salary, life cover at four times salary and a range of colleague discounts and flexible benefits.

If you're looking for a varied HR role offering flexibility, responsibility and the opportunity to build strong working relationships, we'd love to hear from you!

For a confidential conversation or to apply, please reach out to Nikky at Syme Drummond [email removed].