Senior HR Advisor (Operational)

Location: Manchester
Industry: Manufacturing

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join a fast-paced, safety-critical manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional with a strong Employee Relations background to lead operational HR activities, partner with senior stakeholders, and help foster a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace culture.

The successful candidate will oversee day-to-day HR operations, lead a small HR team, manage complex Employee Relations matters, and work closely with the Talent Acquisition function to support workforce planning and recruitment.

Experience within a manufacturing or unionised environment is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex Employee Relations cases from initial consultation through to investigation, disciplinary, grievance, hearings and appeal stages.
• Provide expert advice on all Employee Relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance management, sickness absence and flexible working.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures remain compliant with current UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with Trade Union representatives, supporting consultations and effective communication.
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team, driving high performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all HR administration to ensure accurate records, efficient processes and an excellent employee experience.
• Partner with the Talent Acquisition team to support workforce planning, end-to-end recruitment activities and ATS management.
• Produce HR metrics and recruitment reports, analysing data to provide meaningful insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support organisational change initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement across the HR function.

About You

You'll be a confident HR professional who enjoys working in a hands-on operational environment and has the credibility to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Essential Requirements

• GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths.
• CIPD Level 5 qualified, or CIPD Level 3 with significant operational HR experience.
• Proven experience in an Operational HR, HR generalist or Senior HR Advisor role.
• Strong Employee Relations experience managing complex cases through to appeal.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Previous experience leading and developing an HR team.
• Experience working within a manufacturing, engineering or similarly unionised environment.
• Experience working alongside Trade Union representatives.
• Strong understanding of recruitment processes, workforce planning and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Confident analysing HR and recruitment data to produce reports and present findings to senior stakeholders.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing manufacturing organisation.
• A varied and autonomous HR leadership role.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and business-critical projects.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.