Job Title: HR Senior Associate Reports To: Chief Executive Location: c. 3 days/week at Cannock (Headquarters), 2 days per month at Worcester, St Asaph and Flint sites Position Type: Full-time. Permanent. (Part-time alternatives available) Salary & Benefits: £30,000–£35,000 per annum depending on hours of work and skill level Company pool car made available for company travel Pension scheme Life assurance and health insurance Group-wide bonus scheme (currently in place) 6 weeks holiday (5-6 days fixed over Christmas & New Year) plus 8 statutory Bank Holidays Role Overview: The HR Senior Associate is a key member of the UK Group central office team. The role oversees human resource operations across four UK sites, ensuring compliance with employment regulations and driving improvements in employee wellbeing, productivity and engagement. With 75% of employees currently based at our North Wales sites (St Asaph and Flint), the successful candidate will travel to these sites when required, in order to understand first hand the needs of employees and managers. Fostering a positive working environment needs to be addressed holistically and with imagination, in consultation with the Chief Executive and Site Leaders. We are not looking to apply standard thinking here; we want to attract the best people. Success in the role will therefore come from being grounded but still imaginative; we are not about following standardised thinking. Key Responsibilities: A. HR Administration Administer all HR initiatives using HRMS, ensuring all personnel records are up to date Work with payroll administration to simplify and ensure accuracy of payroll Oversee all requests for training and ensure approval where training meets strategic goals of the Group Liaise with training providers - online and in situ B. HR Standards and Reporting Implement and improve HR standards across the Group Develop and maintain a comprehensive system for monitoring HR standards and performance indicators Prepare monthly reports to the Chief Executive and Board on HR performance, challenges and opportunities C. Sickness and Absence Management Monitor established policy adherence to reduce sickness and absence rates across all sites Work closely with Site Leaders to address attendance issues effectively Provide guidance on health and well-being initiatives to support employees D. Workplace Environment and Productivity Improvement Conduct regular assessments of working conditions across all sites Identify and implement opportunities to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity Promote a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and high performance across the group Skills Development & Competence Assessment Lead the design and delivery of training programs aimed at improving staff skills and competencies Implement best practices for competence assessment to ensure alignment with business goals Support talent development initiatives to build leadership capability within the group Digital Transformation in HR Leverage AI tools and digital training platforms to streamline HR processes and enhance employee development Ensure all staff are trained in relevant digital tools to improve efficiency and adaptability HR Compliance & Best Practice Liaise with legal support team to ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations and company policies across all sites Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HR trends and best practices to drive continuous improvement Qualifications & Skills: A. Essential Qualifications: Attainment of or studying for qualifications in Human Resource Management (e.g., CIPD Level 5 or equivalent) - we need to know you're serious about HR as a career, taking time to study and learn Proven experience in HR roles managing operations across multiple locations (minimum 3 years) would be beneficial B. Skills & Experience: Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices Expertise in sickness absence management, employee engagement strategies and productivity improvement initiatives Proficiency in leveraging AI tools and digital platforms for HR processes and training Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills Experience in developing and implementing HR standards and performance metrics Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and present insights to senior leadership C. Preferred Attributes: Experience in manufacturing or industrial settings is advantageous but not essential Familiarity with analytics tools for tracking performance metrics Energy, dynamism and common sense in abundance Strategic thinking with the ability to align HR initiatives with business objectives Working Conditions: The role is primarily based at the Cannock headquarters but requires travel to Worcester, St Asaph and Flint sites to oversee operations effectively. A company pool car is provided for business travel, to make this easier. Working hours may vary - this is about achieving progress and requires a focus, not clock-watching. This is not a hybrid role. There is no working from home involved in this role. You are dealing with a group of employees in manufacturing; that means being at the factories where the work is done. Career Development: The successful candidate will have the potential to develop into the UK HR Manager role. Not immediately (it’s not a race). But that’s where this role is headed for the candidate who can apply great thinking and digital prowess to make the mundane unnecessary, leaving more and more time for strategic, value-added thinking….and action. From there, the world is your oyster, the sky is the limit, as understanding how to get the best out of people is the building block of a successful management career. How to Apply: Candidates should submit their CV along with a cover letter detailing their experience in HR roles, implementing HR standards across a group structure, as well as their approach to addressing absenteeism challenges. Our AI detectors are active, so please take the time to think through your application and write it in your own language. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.