Job Title: Site Human Resources Manager
Location: Vicinity of Le Mans
Reports to: Regional HR Director / Plant Manager
Department: Human Resources
About the Company
This is a global leader in manufacturing, recognized for operational excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to people and sustainability. We operate across multiple countries and cultures, driven by a focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary
The Site Human Resources Manager is the strategic and operational HR leader for the manufacturing site, ensuring all HR practices align with local legislation, collective agreements, and corporate policies. The role requires a strong background in labor relations, employment law, and works council engagement, with a focus on fostering constructive industrial relations and ensuring full legal compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Partnership
- Partner with site leadership to align HR initiatives with operational goals and business priorities.
- Act as a trusted advisor on workforce planning, organizational structure, and change management.
- Represent the HR function on the site leadership team, providing insight on people-related risks and opportunities.
Employee & Labor Relations
- Serve as the primary contact for union representatives and works councils, ensuring transparent, professional, and proactive communication.
- Lead collective bargaining negotiations, consultation processes, and implementation of collective agreements.
- Provide expert guidance on labor and employment law, grievance handling, disciplinary actions, and dispute resolution.
- Develop and implement strategies to maintain positive employee relations and an engaged workforce.
- Ensure that site practices are consistent with corporate standards, legal requirements, and local labor frameworks.
HR Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with local labor law, occupational health and safety, and internal HR policies.
- Manage audits, reporting, and documentation related to employment and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with legal and corporate HR teams to assess and mitigate potential HR-related risks.
HR Operations & Site Support
- Oversee day-to-day HR operations including payroll interface, time management, workforce data, and HR systems.
- Advise managers on performance management, absence management, and policy application.
- Support headcount planning, recruitment, and onboarding processes where required to meet site needs.
Culture, Engagement & Communication
- Promote an inclusive, respectful, and safety-focused workplace culture.
- Support site communication, engagement, and change initiatives to ensure consistent alignment with company values and goals.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 8–10 years of HR experience, including strong exposure to unionized and/or works council environments within manufacturing or industrial sectors.
- Demonstrated expertise in labor law, industrial relations, and collective bargaining.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships with unions, works councils, and regulatory bodies.
- Deep understanding of employment legislation and HR compliance.
- Fluent in [local language] and English (both written and spoken).
- HR certification (CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent) is a plus.
Core Competencies
- Strong labor relations and negotiation skills
- Legal and regulatory acumen
- Credible leadership and stakeholder management
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Sound judgment and integrity under pressure