Job Description
Our Client
Our client, a leading UK food manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced and commercially astute HR Business Partner to support a large, fast‑paced production site. This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who thrives in an operational environment and enjoys influencing, partnering and driving meaningful change.
This is a site based role in Cumbria.
The role
The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping and delivering the site’s people strategy, working closely with senior leaders to ensure the workforce is skilled, engaged and aligned to business performance goals. This position requires a hands‑on approach, strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to operate effectively within a complex, unionised, multi‑shift environment.
Key responsibilities include:
* Implementing a people plan aligned with operational and organisational objectives
* Partnering with leaders to ensure structures, roles and capabilities support business performance
* Leading workforce planning, succession, development and retention initiatives
* Providing expert employee relations guidance, including coaching managers and engaging with representatives
* Using data and workforce insights to drive continuous improvement and mitigate risk
* Supporting change programmes, transformation initiatives and process improvements
* Ensuring consistent, compliant application of policies, legislation and safety culture expectations
Who we are looking for
* You will bring a blend of strategic insight and practical HR delivery, alongside strong commercial awareness and excellent judgement.
* Proven experience in an HR Business Partner role within manufacturing
* Strong background supporting blue‑collar, shift‑based teams (unionised experience advantageous)
* Skilled in employee relations, organisational change and collective consultation
* Confident using people data to drive decisions and performance
* Experience supporting or managing HR teams
* Strong negotiation, influencing and conflict‑resolution skills
* Ability to interpret legislation and apply it pragmatically
* Strong analytical, organisational and problem‑solving abilities
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management
* High levels of resilience, discretion and sound judgement
Benefits
This is a fantastic opportunity for an HR Business Partner looking to make a significant impact within a major UK food manufacturing business. The role offers the autonomy to influence culture, capability and performance within a high‑profile operational environment. Please get in touch for further information - shona.thom@nigelwright.com/07714133485