HR Generalist

Manpower (United Kingdom); Carlisle; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower (United Kingdom) is partnering with a globally recognised manufacturing business to recruit an experienced HR Generalist to support site-based HR operations in Carlisle, Cumbria. This hands-on role covers employee relations, absence management, disciplinaries and day-to-day HR advice, with a 12-month FTC and potential for permanency.

You will also provide HR support to a neighbouring site in Newcastle, either on-site or remotely via Teams, within a fast-paced, unionised environment

Qualifications

• Experience as a broad HR Generalist within manufacturing or similar environments.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent demonstrated experience in HR operations.
• Experience handling unionised workplace relations and absence management.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert HR advice to managers and employees on employee relations topics.
• Manage absence cases, disciplinary processes, and investigations with accuracy.
• Support day-to-day HR activities and maintain confidential personnel records.

Skills

Employee relations

Disciplinary support

Absence management

Trade union liaison

HR advisory

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent

Tools

HRIS

Job description

HR Generalist

Location: Carlisle, Cumbria

Term: Initially a 12-month FTC (potential of a permanent role)

Qualification: CIPD Level 5 minimum, or equivalent experience

The Opportunity

We are working in partnership with a globally recognised manufacturing business to recruit an experienced HR Generalist to support its site‑based HR operations. This is a hands‑on, varied role suited to a confident HR professional who can hit the ground running and provide knowledgeable, practical support across the full spectrum of generalist HR activities.

Working within a unionised manufacturing environment, you will play a key role in employee relations, absence management, disciplinary processes and day‑to‑day HR advice. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, managing sensitive employee matters and building effective relationships with employees, managers and trade union representatives.

You will also provide HR support to a neighbouring site in Newcastle, either on‑site or remotely via Teams as required. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys being close to the operation and making a tangible difference.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Provide expert, practical HR advice and guidance to managers and employees on a wide range of employee relations matters. Manage and support absence management processes, including monitoring, reviewing and advising on complex or ongoing absence cases. Facilitate disciplinary and investigation processes, including preparing correspondence, arranging meetings, taking accurate minutes and drafting outcome letters. Support managers through investigations, disciplinary hearings and other formal employee relations procedures. Ensure HR processes are handled fairly, consistently and in line with company policies and employment legislation. Work closely with trade unions and employee representatives to support effective employee relations and constructive working relationships.

Generalist HR Support

• Act as a trusted point of contact for day‑to‑day HR queries across the manufacturing site. Provide advice on attendance, absence, disciplinary matters, workwear, time and attendance (T&A) systems and associated processes. Support pay‑related queries and assist with the collection, collation and maintenance of HR data. Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HR information is managed confidentially and in accordance with relevant requirements. Update HR policies, procedures, letters and other documentation as required.

HR Administration & Continuous Improvement

• Lead an overhaul of the existing HR archive room, organising, reviewing and improving the storage and accessibility of HR records. Ensure personnel documentation is appropriately organised, retained and managed in line with data protection and record‑retention requirements. Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, documentation and administrative efficiency. Provide flexible HR support to the Newcastle site, attending in person or remotely via Teams as required.

About You

You will be an experienced, credible and commercially aware HR Generalist who is confident handling employee relations matters in a fast‑paced operational environment. You will bring:

• Significant experience in a broad HR Generalist role, ideally within manufacturing, engineering or another operational, site‑based environment. CIPD Level 5 qualification or above, or equivalent demonstrable experience. Extensive experience working within a unionised environment, with the confidence to engage directly with trade union representatives.
• Strong practical knowledge of absence management, investigations, disciplinaries and formal HR processes. Experience preparing disciplinary correspondence, taking meeting minutes and drafting outcome letters. The ability to provide clear, confident and pragmatic advice to managers and employees.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly when handling confidential employee records and HR documentation. The confidence and initiative to work autonomously, prioritise competing demands and manage sensitive matters professionally.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach, with the ability to assess situations quickly and deliver effective support from day one.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a true HR Generalist who knows your subject, is comfortable navigating complex employee relations issues and understands the realities of working in a unionised manufacturing environment. You can operate independently, build credibility quickly and provide reliable support without needing extensive direction.

You are equally comfortable advising managers on a disciplinary matter, working with trade union representatives, resolving day‑to‑day HR queries and improving administrative processes behind the scenes. If you are an experienced HR professional looking for a varied, hands‑on opportunity where your knowledge and experience will make an immediate impact, we would welcome your application.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website.