HR Manager
Stoke:on:Trent, Staffordshire ST1
A GBP 45,000 : A GBP 50,000 per annum
Full time Permanent role working Monday to Friday Office based
Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are recruiting for a HR Manager or Head of HR to join a company based in Stoke:on:Trent, Staffordshire.
Are you an experienced HR professional with a strong background in manufacturing environments or similar? Reporting to the Managing Director you will lead and evolve the HR function across UK and European operations, supporting departments such as Production, Technical Support, Purchasing, Sales, and Service.
Working in a team of 3, this is a hands:on, strategic role ideal for someone who thrives in fast:paced, operationally focused settings and is passionate about driving cultural change, improving workforce capability, and embedding consistent HR practices across multiple sites
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
* Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement a people strategy aligned with manufacturing and operational goals.
* Drive initiatives to improve employee engagement, retention, and performance across production and field:based teams.
* Lead the transition from manual HR processes to digital systems, enhancing data accuracy and reporting.
* Support organisational design and succession planning to ensure long:term workforce capability.
* Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting a collaborative, inclusive, and performance:driven environment.
Operational HR Management
* Oversee end:to:end HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, absence, and disciplinary procedures.
* Ensure compliance with UK and European employment legislation, particularly in manufacturing and field service contexts.
* Provide expert HR guidance to line managers, enabling effective team leadership and fair decision:making.
* Manage and develop a small HR team to deliver high:quality, responsive support to the business.
* Lead annual performance reviews and objective:setting processes, ensuring consistency across departments.
* Collaborate with Finance to manage compensation and benefits, ensuring alignment with market benchmarks and internal equity.
* Produce and analyse HR metrics to support operational decisions and continuous improvement.
* Oversee payroll and time and attendance systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Systems and Process Improvement
* Review and streamline HR documentation and processes to improve efficiency and standardisation across manufacturing and service operations.
* Lead or support the implementation of a fit:for:purpose HRIS to enhance data management and reporting.
* Champion continuous improvement in HR administration, compliance, and employee experience.
Essential Experience and Skills
* Proven HR generalist experience at Manager or Senior Business Partner level within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
* Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and familiarity with European HR practices.
* Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive cultural and operational change.
* Experience managing and developing HR teams.
* Practical experience implementing or optimising HR systems and digital processes.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
* CIPD qualified (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience.
Desirable
* Experience in multi:site or international operations.
* Understanding of HR compliance for mobile and remote field:based teams.
* Exposure to continuous improvement or change management initiatives.
Personal Attributes
* Professional, approachable, and resilient with a hands:on mindset.
* Strategic thinker who can balance long:term objectives with day:to:day priorities.
* Passionate about developing people and improving organisational culture.
* High level of integrity, discretion, and accountability.
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