Company: Araz Gateway Ltd

Location: LG200, DP World London Gateway, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Arrangement: Site-based

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About Araz Gateway Ltd

Araz Gateway Ltd is developing a major warehousing and logistics operation at LG200, located within DP World's London Gateway Logistics Park in Essex.

With a facility extending to approximately 200,000 sq ft, we are establishing a modern, commercially driven logistics operation supporting warehousing, distribution and international trade.

As we prepare for the launch and development of the facility, we are looking to recruit an experienced and commercially minded HR Manager who will play a key role in building our workforce, developing our people processes and supporting the long-term growth of the business.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for an HR professional to play a central role in developing and managing the company's HR function, working closely with senior management and operational teams.

The successful candidate will combine strategic HR planning with hands-on delivery, contributing to the development of effective HR systems, managing recruitment and employee relations, and ensuring that our people practices support operational performance and business objectives.

We are particularly interested in candidates who bring a proactive, collaborative and commercially aware approach to HR management, with the ability to support managers, develop effective workplace practices and contribute positively to the organisation's growth.

Key Responsibilities

HR Strategy & Organisational Development

• Establish, develop and implement HR policies, procedures and systems aligned with the company's operational and commercial objectives.
• Work closely with senior management on workforce planning, organisational structure and resource requirements.
• Advise management on employment matters, staffing decisions and organisational change.
• Develop effective HR reporting, performance indicators and workforce management processes.
• Support the growth and development of the HR function as the business expands.

Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Lead end-to-end recruitment for warehouse personnel, supervisors, operational management and administrative positions.
• Develop recruitment strategies to attract and retain suitable employees within the local labour market.
• Establish structured onboarding, induction and probation management processes.
• Coordinate relationships with recruitment agencies and temporary labour providers.
• Support workforce scheduling, staffing budgets and resource planning in collaboration with operational management.

Employee Relations & UK Employment Compliance

• Provide practical and commercially informed HR advice to management on UK employment legislation and best practice.
• Manage disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and performance management processes.
• Prepare and maintain employment contracts, staff handbooks and relevant HR documentation.
• Support the consistent and fair application of HR policies and procedures.
• Keep abreast of legislative developments, ACAS guidance and changes in employment practices.

HR Operations & Employee Development

• Oversee HR administration, employee records and the implementation of appropriate HR management systems.
• Coordinate payroll information, pension administration, leave management and employee benefits with the relevant internal or external providers.
• Develop employee engagement, retention, training and professional development initiatives.
• Support line managers in building effective, motivated and productive teams.
• Work alongside operational management to promote positive workplace standards, employee wellbeing and a strong health and safety culture.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Substantial experience in a UK-based HR generalist, HR Business Partner or HR management role.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations and HR compliance.
• Proven experience managing recruitment, employee relations and operational HR processes.
• Ability to establish and improve HR policies, procedures and systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• Confidence working directly with senior management and advising on sensitive employment matters.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of workforce costs, operational priorities and business performance.
• Strong organisational skills, sound professional judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Desirable Experience

• CIPD Level 5 or above, or an equivalent relevant qualification and demonstrable experience.
• Previous HR experience in warehousing, logistics, distribution, manufacturing or a comparable operational environment would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with shift-based workforce arrangements, agency labour and high-volume recruitment.
• Experience implementing HR information systems and workforce reporting processes.
• Exposure to organisational restructuring, TUPE or operational change management.

Why Join Araz Gateway?

This position offers the opportunity to become an integral part of a developing logistics business at one of the UK's major port and distribution locations.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Help establish and shape the HR function from the outset.
• Work closely with senior management and contribute to key people-related decisions.
• Contribute to the development of a significant warehousing and logistics operation.
• Lead meaningful HR projects with scope for professional development.
• Play an important role in building a capable, engaged and successful workforce.