HR Manager

Location: Manchester 

Industry: Manufacturing

Overview

This role leads the day-to-day operational HR service within a fast-paced, safety-critical advanced technology environment. You will provide expert Employee Relations support, oversee HR administration, partner with senior leaders, and help drive a consistent, compliant and people-focused culture. Experience in manufacturing or a similar unionised setting is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex Employee Relations cases end-to-end, from informal resolution through investigation, hearings and appeal stages.
• Provide expert advice on disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance, sickness absence, flexible working and other ER matters.
• Ensure HR policies, procedures and practices align with current UK employment legislation and HR best practice, including within a unionised context.
• Build constructive relationships with Trade Union representatives; support consultations and maintain effective communication.
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team, including performance management and capability building.
• Oversee HR operations and administration to ensure accurate records, timely processes and a high-quality employee experience.
• Partner closely with recruitment/Talent Acquisition to support workforce planning, end-to-end recruitment processes, ATS usage and candidate experience.
• Use HR and recruitment data to create reports, deliver detailed analysis and present insights to managers and senior leaders.

Requirements

• Minimum of grade C in English and Maths at GCSE or equivalent.
• CIPD qualified to Level 5, or CIPD Level 3 with substantial, directly relevant HR management experience.
• Significant experience in an Operational HR role, including responsibility for HR administration and Employee Relations, preferably in a manufacturing or similar unionised environment.
• Proven experience operating at Senior HR Advisor / HR Operations Manager level (or equivalent), leading complex ER cases through to appeal hearings.
• Strong Employee Relations background with demonstrable experience managing disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance, sickness absence and flexible working cases.
• Sound, up-to-date understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice, including in a unionised context.
• Experience of successfully leading and managing an HR team, including coaching and development.
• Experience of working in a unionised environment, including engagement with Trade Union representatives.
• Experience working closely with or managing a recruitment/Talent Acquisition function, with strong understanding of end-to-end recruitment and ATS.
• Experience of using HR and recruitment data to develop reports, provide analysis and present findings to senior stakeholders.