HR Business Partner

A hands-on, operational HR Business Partner role within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, supporting a large, site-based workforce through change and growth. This is a highly visible, influential role suited to someone who enjoys being on the ground, working closely with operational leaders and managing the realities of a unionised, blue-collar setting.

Client Details

Our client is a well-established manufacturing organisation based in Huddersfield, currently experiencing a period of transformation and growth. With a strong operational footprint and a long-standing workforce, the business is focused on improving engagement, capability and performance while modernising its people practices. This is an excellent time to join and play a key role in shaping the HR function at site level.

Description

Reporting into the HR Manager, you will partner with site leadership to deliver a consistent, pragmatic and commercially focused HR service. You'll support managers across the full employee lifecycle, balancing day-to-day employee relations with broader people initiatives.

Once embedded, the role will be roughly split 50% employee relations and 50% broader HR activity, including workforce planning, development initiatives and change programmes.

• Partner with operational managers to deliver people strategies aligned to business objectives
• Lead and manage complex employee relations cases from investigation through to outcome and appeal
• Coach and support line managers on performance, absence, conduct and capability issues
• Support organisational change activity including restructures, shift patterns and contract changes
• Drive engagement, development and retention initiatives across a diverse and ageing workforce
• Oversee and improve onboarding, training and development processes
• Embed and maintain effective performance management practices
• Contribute to HR reporting, analysing trends in absence, turnover and performance
• Support payroll processes and ensure accuracy and compliance across HR systems
• Build strong relationships with employees, managers and trade union representatives where applicable
• Deputise for the HR Manager as required

Profile

• Proven experience in a generalist HR role within a manufacturing, operational or site-based environment
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law with confidence handling complex ER cases
• Experience working in a unionised environment (highly advantageous)
• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards)
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, hands-on setting with evolving systems and processes
• Strong Excel and HR data analysis capability
• Proactive, resilient and able to operate with a high level of autonomy
• Confident communicator with the credibility to influence at all levels

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £50,000 to £55,000 per annum.
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays, with flexibility to swap days)
• Flexi-time scheme - up to an additional 12 days off per year
• Enhanced pension - up to 8% employer contribution
• On-site gym
• Flexible working (4 days on-site, 1 day WFH)

If you are ready to take the next step in your HR career, apply today to join this well-regarded organisation!