We’re partnering with an established manufacturing business in the Fenland area as they invest in and reshape their People function, creating an opportunity for an experienced HR professional to step into a broad and influential HR Business Partner role.

This isn’t simply a replacement hire. The business is taking the opportunity to rethink its HR structure, increase the level of support available across the organisation and move towards a more proactive, commercially focused People function.

Working closely with the senior leadership team and managers across the business, you’ll help translate business priorities into a practical people agenda while remaining close to the day-to-day operation.

It’s a genuinely broad role with plenty of scope to influence how HR operates, from strengthening leadership capability and improving engagement through to workforce planning, organisational change and developing future talent.

What will you be doing?

• Partnering with senior leaders and managers across the business

• Helping develop and deliver the People Plan in line with wider business priorities

• Coaching managers and building greater confidence and accountability around people management

• Leading on complex ER matters including performance, absence, grievance and conduct

• Supporting organisational change, workforce planning and succession

• Developing approaches to performance management, talent and leadership development

• Improving recruitment, onboarding and retention

• Using people data and trends to identify challenges and influence decisions

• Supporting engagement, culture and communication initiatives

• Reviewing and improving HR processes, policies and systems

• Building strong relationships across the organisation and maintaining a visible presence on site

What are we looking for?

You’ll be an experienced HR generalist or HR Business Partner who is comfortable operating both strategically and operationally. You’ll have the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders while also enjoying being visible, accessible and close to the wider workforce.

Previous HR experience within a manufacturing environment is essential for this role. You’ll understand the pace and practicalities of supporting an operational workforce and be comfortable balancing commercial priorities, employee relations and the needs of managers and employees.

Alongside this, we’re looking for:

• Strong generalist HR and employee relations experience

• Experience coaching and influencing managers and senior leaders

• Exposure to organisational change

• A commercial and pragmatic approach to HR

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Confidence using people data to identify trends and support decision-making

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience

This could suit an established HR Business Partner looking for greater ownership and influence, or someone ready to step into a broader role where they can genuinely help shape the People function.

There’s plenty to get stuck into, but importantly there is also the appetite to invest in HR and evolve how the function supports the wider business.

£50,000 – £65,000 depending on experience
Fenland, Cambridgeshire
Site-based

If you’re an experienced manufacturing HR professional who enjoys being close to the business, building trusted relationships and turning people strategy into practical action, I’d love to hear from you.