This is not a traditional HR role.
This is a build role.
A chance to step into a growing, ambitious manufacturing business and create the HR function from the ground up. Not maintain. Not inherit. Build.
If you enjoy structure, ownership, and being the person leadership leans on to make things work properly, this will suit you.
If you prefer a fully built HR environment with layers of support around you, it won’t.
The Opportunity
You will take full ownership of HR.
From transitioning services in-house, to building the foundations, to shaping culture across factory and office teams.
This is a standalone HR Business Partner role where you will:
* Establish a fully functioning HR operation
* Partner directly with leadership
* Support a manufacturing workforce through growth and change
* Build systems, processes, and consistency from day one
This business is scaling. Fast.
They are investing in people, capability, and long-term growth and they need someone who can bring clarity, structure, and confidence to the people function.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Building the HR Function
* Transition HR from an external/sister company into a fully internal function
* Implement policies, processes, and governance
* Create structure where there currently isn’t any
Employee Relations & Leadership Support
* Own ER across the business
* Coach managers to handle people issues properly
* Bring consistency, fairness, and compliance
Recruitment & Workforce Planning
* Build structured hiring processes
* Support production workforce planning aligned to demand
* Develop pipelines for operators, engineers, and technical roles
Performance & Attendance
* Introduce performance management frameworks
* Track and manage absence trends
* Support managers to drive accountability
Culture & Engagement
* Embed a strong, positive workplace culture
* Improve communication between factory and office teams
* Build trust in HR as a function
Learning & Development
* Identify skill gaps
* Support training and development across the workforce
* Help build future capability, not just fill gaps
What Success Looks Like
* HR fully transitioned and operating independently within 6 to 9 months
* A clear, consistent HR framework in place across the business
* Managers confident handling people issues
* Improved attendance, engagement, and retention
* A stronger, more capable workforce aligned to business growth
These aren’t vague objectives. They are real, measurable outcomes
What We’re Looking For
* Experience as a standalone HR lead or HR Business Partner
* Background in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments
* Strong employee relations capability
* Solid understanding of UK employment law
* CIPD Level 5+ (Level 7 desirable)
* Someone who can operate both strategically and hands-on
Most importantly:
You are someone who takes ownership, builds trust quickly, and gets things done.
Why This Role Stands Out
* Genuine autonomy
* Direct access to leadership
* Opportunity to build something properly from the ground up
* Visible impact across the entire business
This is a business with a clear long-term vision to become a leader in offsite manufacturing, driven by quality, innovation, and strong culture
They care deeply about their people, performance, and doing things the right way
Interested?
If you’re ready to step into a role where you can genuinely shape how a business operates, I’d be keen to speak.
Apply or reach out directly for a confidential chat.