Job Title: HR Controller
Location: Bradford
Reports to: HR Manager
Role Type: Stand-alone HR role (full-time)
About Us
We are a family-run, medium-sized manufacturing business with a strong values-driven culture and long-standing commitment to our people. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a hands-on, proactive HR Controller to support and strengthen our people processes, ensure compliance, and help us maintain a supportive and high-performance workplace.
Role Purpose
The HR Controller will oversee all HR operations across the business in a stand-alone capacity, providing guidance, administration, and strategic support to management and employees. This role ensures legal compliance, drives effective people management, and supports the development of a positive workplace culture aligned with family-business values.
Key Responsibilities
1. HR Operations & Administration
* Maintain accurate HR records, files, and HRIS data.
* Manage the full employee lifecycle: onboarding, induction, probation, contract changes, and leavers.
* Oversee absence management, ensuring accurate reporting.
2. Recruitment & Talent Management
* Coordinate end-to-end recruitment including job descriptions, advertising, screening, interviewing, and offer management.
* Support managers with workforce planning and succession considerations.
3. Employee Relations
* Act as the first point of contact for HR queries, providing guidance that is fair, consistent, and compliant.
* Coach managers on handling disciplinary, grievance, and capability processes.
* Support conflict resolution and encourage positive employee relations.
4. Training & Development
* Identify training needs and coordinate internal or external learning opportunities.
* Oversee mandatory training (H&S, compliance, supervisory skills).
* Maintain training records and support development conversations.
5. Policies, Compliance & HR Governance
* Maintain up-to-date HR policies and employee handbook.
* Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and health & safety requirements.
* Lead audits related to HR documentation, right-to-work checks, and payroll.
6. Culture, Engagement & Communication
* Support initiatives that strengthen the family-business culture and employee engagement.
* Assist with staff events, company updates, and communications.
* Promote a positive, safe, and inclusive working environment.
7. HR Reporting & Insights
* Produce regular HR metrics: turnover, absence, recruitment activity, training hours.
* Provide insights to leadership to support decision-making.
* Recommend improvements to HR processes, practices, and systems.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
* Proven experience in an HR generalist or HR Manager/Advisor role.
* Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices.
* Ability to work independently in a stand-alone HR function.
* Confident supporting managers with ER matters.
* Excellent communication, organisation, and administrative skills.
* Trustworthy with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
* CIPD Level 5 or equivalent (or working toward).
Desirable
* Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
* Familiarity with health & safety processes and training compliance.
* Experience implementing or improving HR systems.
Personal Attributes
* Approachable, fair, and consistent.
* Hands-on, pragmatic, and solutions focused.
* Strong relationship-builder with employees at all levels.
* Resilient, calm under pressure, and able to prioritise.
* Comfortable working in a close-knit, family-run environment.