About the role
The HR Business Partner plays a key role in delivering aproactive, visible and hands-on HR service across our manufacturing site. Working alongside another HR Business Partner and reporting into the HR Manager, this role has a strong focus on Employee Relations case management, day-to-day operational HR support, and providing a first point of contact for HR queries on site.
You will act as a trusted partner to managers and employees, supporting consistent and fair decision-making, while also contributing to wider HR operations including payroll and HR administration cover when required. This is a highly operational, fast-paced role where strong relationships, sound judgement and a practical approach are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations & Case Management
- Lead and manage a full range of ER cases including absence, disciplinary, grievance, performance, capability, conduct and investigations
- Provide clear, practical and consistent HR advice to managers in line with UK employment law and company policy
- Coach and support line managers to build capability and confidence in people management
- Maintain accurate, timely and compliant ER documentation and records
- Support the HR Manager on complex, sensitive or high-risk cases
Generalist HR Support
- Deliver a visible, responsive and customer-focused HR service to employees and managers
- Advise on HR policies, procedures and best practice
- Support organisational change, restructures and employee consultations
- Contribute to engagement, wellbeing, attendance and retention initiatives
-Support continuous improvement of HR processes and ways of working
Payroll & HR Administration Support
- Provide cover and support for Payroll and HR Administration activities when required
- Support payroll inputs, starters, leavers and contractual changes
- Ensure HR systems and employee data are accurate, compliant and up to date
- Assist with audits, reporting and compliance requirements
Site HR Presence & Front-Line Support
- Maintain a strong, visible presence on site as a key HR contact
- Act as first-line support for HR queries and employee relations issues
- Triage and resolve day-to-day HR queries efficiently, escalating where appropriate
- Build strong working relationships across all levels of the site
Collaboration & Team Working
- Work closely with the HR Manager and wider HR team
- Collaborate with Payroll, L&D and Talent Acquisition colleagues
- Provide cross-cover and support across HR team activities when required
- Contribute to HR projects aligned with the wider people strategy
About you
- Proven experience in a generalist HR role with a strong focus on Employee Relations
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience managing ER cases end-to-end in a fast-paced environment
- Confident advising, influencing and coaching managers at all levels
- Experience within manufacturing, FMCG or similarly operational environments
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a practical, solutions-focused approach
- Calm, confident and professional when handling sensitive or complex situations
- CIPD Level 5 qualified or working towards (desirable)
- Experience supporting payroll or HR administration activities (desirable)
- Exposure to site-based or shift-based workforces (desirable)
In return AAK offers
- 10% non-contribution pension.
- Bonus scheme.
- UK Healthcare scheme.
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays.
- Group life cover.
- Group income protection scheme.
- Ride2Work scheme.
Contact and information