people advisor

Dr. Martens is a globally recognisable and culturally influential British brand, with 65 years of rich heritage, rooted in craftmanship. As brand custodians, we are lucky to work for a dynamic, thriving, and ethical business, with people from diverse backgrounds, who bring their true selves to work, and where anyone can grow their career.

We are guided by three core values that are at the heart of everything we do: be yourself, act courageously, and show you care. They make us who we are and inspire us to push boundaries, embrace our individuality, and stand up for what's right.

THE GIG

In HR, we are custodians of our culture. We're committed to creating a great place to work for all our people while delivering real business value.

The Fixed Term People Advisor - Retail, provides expert guidance and support to managers and employees on HR policies and everyday processes. This role plays a key part in ensuring policy adherence, promoting effective communication, and supporting a positive, inclusive, and compliant workplace culture. You'll coach managers, offer resources, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to continuously improve our ways of working.

As our People Advisor you will be responsible for:

• Providing Employee & Manager Guidance: Advise on HR policies and procedures, directing to appropriate resources. Support managers with standard letters and communications, coach on conflict resolution, and advise on effective communication strategies.
• Supporting Policy Adherence & Workplace Wellbeing: Advise managers on sickness absence cases, flexible work arrangements, return-to-work processes, and Occupational Health referrals. Facilitate policy compliance and guide on Occupational Health involvement when needed.
• Managing Performance & Employee Relations: Coach managers on performance improvement plans and managing employee issues including misconduct, microaggressions, absenteeism, and conflict. Process ER/legal invoices and support ER Leads and the Senior ER Manager with ER-related activities.
• Driving Collaboration & Process Improvement: Partner with HR Operations to identify opportunities for process, documentation, and system improvements, including automation and data reporting. Promote the use of existing tools like Dayforce and AI solutions.
• Enabling Self-Service & Resource Access: Work with HR Operations to coach employees and managers on accessing and using self-service resources and everyday HR processes effectively.

THE STUFF THAT SETS YOU APART

Put simply, for this role the key things we're looking for are:

• Strong experience providing HR policy guidance and manager coaching.
• Proven ability to support managers in handling workplace concerns effectively – lateness, absence, PIPs.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across various levels.
• Experience working with HR systems, including case management and employee self-service platforms.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Hybrid working
• Welcome to the family free pair of Docs
• 65% off all Docs
• Private healthcare
• A dedicated culture team
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• Amazing Camden based offices with roof terrace overlooking the canal

Are you ready to fill your boots? Apply now.

At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers.

We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.

This vacancy will close on the 28th of November 2025