HR Business Partner

2 Sisters Food Group; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking an HR Business Partner in Carlisle to oversee HR functions including Employee Relations and absence management. This pivotal role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective HR practices are in place, driving business success through strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong HR experience, particularly in the manufacturing sector, and have a deep understanding of UK employment law, complemented by exceptional communication skills.

Benefits

35 days annual leave

Company pension scheme

Death in service benefit

Company sick pay

Free onsite parking

Employee discount platform

Employee assistance programme

Wisdom wellbeing app

Grocery Aid

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR, focusing on Employee Relations and Absence Management.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law.
• Experience managing and coordinating a team of HR Advisors.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership for strategic HR initiatives.
• Lead Employee Relations activities, ensuring compliance with policies.
• Manage absence strategies and engage with stakeholders effectively.

Skills

Employee Relations

Absence Management

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

Education

CIPD Level 3

Job description

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About Us

Joining 2 Sisters means becoming part of the UK’s largest food manufacturing group, with a turnover exceeding £3 billion and over 13,500 employees. At Cavaghan & Gray in Carlisle, we produce the highest quality M&S products with a production capacity of 115 million units per year, spread across over 150 different products. The site played a major role in the ready meal revolution in the 1970s, launching three of the first-ever prepared ready meal products - cauliflower cheese, cottage pie and Cumberland pie – all for Marks & Spencer.

Location: Carlisle – Onsite (Mo-Fri)

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

About Us

Joining 2 Sisters means becoming part of the UK’s largest food manufacturing group, with a turnover exceeding £3 billion and over 13,500 employees. At Cavaghan & Gray in Carlisle, we produce the highest quality M&S products with a production capacity of 115 million units per year, spread across over 150 different products. The site played a major role in the ready meal revolution in the 1970s, launching three of the first-ever prepared ready meal products - cauliflower cheese, cottage pie and Cumberland pie – all for Marks & Spencer.

About The Role

The HR Business Partner at Carlisle Meal Solutions is a pivotal leadership role, The HRBP will oversee the operational management of all Employee Relations activities and absence management. You will be the primary point of contact for the HR Advisors and will coordinate their efforts in handling ER cases. This role also involves collaborating with manufacturing managers, team leads, and union representatives to ensure a smooth, efficient, and compliant approach to managing absence, grievances, and ER matters.

As a leader within the HR team, you will be instrumental in ensuring that policies are implemented effectively, disputes are resolved promptly, and absence management is managed proactively. You will be responsible for maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that all issues are handled fairly, and acting as an escalation point for any complex or unresolved employee grievances.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partnering: Act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team, helping drive business success through strategic HR initiatives.
• Coordination of ER Activities: Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of Employee Relations activities across the organisation. Work with HR Advisors to ensure ER matters (including grievances, disciplinary actions, and performance issues) are handled efficiently and in line with company policy and legal requirements.
• Absence Management: Drive the strategy and implementation of absence management processes. Work with line managers to monitor, manage, and reduce absenteeism and ensure compliance with absence policies.
• HR Operations: Oversee essential HR functions including benefits management, employee leave, policy enforcement, and disciplinaries.
• Legacy Projects: Manage and address outstanding HR issues, particularly in areas like Compensation & Benefits, while also supporting large-scale changes driven by acquisitions.
• Engagement with Employees: Lead with a "hands-on" approach, engaging with the workforce at all levels—whether it’s collaborating with the SLT or rolling up your sleeves on the shop floor.
  
  

About You

• Proven experience in HR, with a strong focus on Employee Relations and Absence Management (ideally in a manufacturing, FMCG or industrial setting).
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, including absence management and grievance procedures.
• Experience in managing and coordinating a team of HR Advisors, providing guidance and support.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with managers, employees, and union representatives.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to remain calm and objective in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to addressing employee issues.
• Previous experience in a leadership or HRBP role is highly desirable.
  
  

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 3 minimum (or equivalent) is desirable.
  
  

Key Skills

• HR Generalist Experience: We’re open to individuals with varying levels of experience. You should have strong, well-rounded knowledge across all areas of HR, including but not limited to: Benefits, Leave, Enforcing Policies, and Disciplinaries.
• Exceptional Business Partnering: Proven experience in business partnering at all levels of the organisation.
• Team Restructuring Expertise: Innovative in restructuring teams with a focus on business optimisation and building trust across the workforce.
• Industry Knowledge: Experience within the food industry is ideal, with experience in FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) being advantageous.
  
  

Benefits

• 35 days annual leave
• Company pension scheme with Legal & General or NEST pension
• Death in service benefit, optional - linked to membership of L&G pension
• Company sick pay – after qualifying period
• Free onsite parking
• Exclusive 2 Sisters employee discount platform available via an app offering savings of up to 60% with brands including Asda, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer and Tesco.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Wisdom wellbeing app
• Grocery Aid - employees access to counselling
  
  

Why Join Us?

As one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers, we provide ample opportunities for career growth and skill development. We emphasise promoting from within, ensuring you can build a rewarding career with us.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Human Resources

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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