HR Business Partner

Caterpillar; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global equipment manufacturer is seeking an HR Business Partner in Peterlee, England. This role involves providing expert guidance on HR policies, managing employee relations, and overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes. Candidates should have over 10 years of operational HR experience and a relevant degree or CIPD qualification. This full-time position offers a supportive work environment focused on personal development.

Benefits

Culture of openness and support

Personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years working in Operational HR.
• Experience working with Trade Unions.
• Quick to grasp new information and apply it effectively in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Advise and support managers in resolving complex employee relations matters.
• Oversee onboarding programs to ensure seamless integration of new hires.
• Ensure the accuracy of employee records and HR systems.
• Drive the rollout and communication of HR policies and initiatives.
• Support the execution of performance management cycles.

Skills

HR: Policies, Standards and Procedures

Decision Making and Critical Thinking

Knowledge of Organization

Effective Communications

Interpersonal Relationships

Data Gathering and Reporting

Employee Relations

Education

Degree, CIPD or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Career Area: Human Resources

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Title: HR Business Partner

Salary: £50,000+ depending on experience

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Job Purpose:

This role will serve as a key HR partner to both site leadership and the broader business at the Peterlee Facility, ensuring the delivery of high-impact HR services. Leveraging extensive experience in human resources, you will apply a deep understanding of employment legislation, exercise sound judgment in complex situations, and confidently influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels to drive fair, consistent, and business-aligned outcomes.

Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Provide expert guidance on HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with organizational values and legal frameworks.
• Advise and support managers in resolving complex employee relations matters, including grievances and disciplinary actions, with fairness and consistency.
• Champion a culture of integrity by ensuring employment law and internal policies are applied equitably across the organization.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Ensuring strategic alignment with workforce planning and talent acquisition goals.
• Oversee onboarding programs to ensure seamless integration of new hires, fostering engagement and long-term retention from day one.

HR Administration

• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of employee records and HR systems.
• Review and approve employment documentation, including contracts and formal correspondence, in line with compliance standards.

Policy Implementation

• Drive the rollout and communication of HR policies and initiatives, ensuring clarity, consistency, and organizational buy-in.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.

Performance & Development

• Support the execution of performance management cycles, ensuring alignment with business objectives and employee growth.
• Facilitate development planning and training coordination to build capability and support career progression across the workforce.

Reporting & Analytics

• Deliver strategic HR insights through accurate data reporting and trend analysis to inform leadership decision-making.
• Monitor key workforce metrics such as absence, turnover, and engagement, identifying patterns and recommending interventions.

Skills you will have

HR: Policies, Standards and Procedures: Level Working Knowledge

• Ability to uphold the organization's and industry's standards, procedures and policies regarding human resources management.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Level Working Knowledge

• Demonstrates the ability to assess complex situations with clarity and precision, applying informed judgment to reach effective, timely decisions.
• Balances analytical insight with practical considerations to support sound outcomes that align with business objectives and stakeholder needs.

Knowledge of Organization: Level Working Knowledge

• Knowledge of the organization's vision, structure, culture, philosophy, operating principles, values, and code of ethics.
• Demonstrates the understanding of the value of aligning capabilities with business goals to support optimal performance.

Effective Communications: Level Working Knowledge

• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of communication principles, tools, and techniques.
• Able to convey and interpret ideas, information, and needs with clarity and professionalism, applying appropriate communication behaviours to support collaboration and alignment across teams.

Interpersonal Relationships: Level Working Knowledge

• Experience and ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.

Data Gathering and Reporting: Level Working Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge and practical experience of tools, techniques and processes for gathering and reporting data.

Employee Relations: Level Working Knowledge

• Knowledge of the rights and obligations in employee relations.
• Experience and ability to adhere to legal requirements when handling employee negotiations.

Top Candidates will have

• 10+ years working in Operational HR
• Experience working with Trade Unions
• Degree, CIPD or equivalent experience
• Quick to grasp new information and apply it effectively in dynamic environments.

Additional Information

• Hours: Full Time - 36.50 hours at the Peterlee Facility
• This position requires the candidate to work a 5 day a week schedule in the office
• Travel: Not associated with this Role

What You Will Get

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse, and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, and personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Posting Dates: October 29, 2025 - November 11, 2025

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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