HR Lead

ZF Group; Wednesbury; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading manufacturing company in the UK as an HR Lead. This hands-on position requires excellent communication, HR expertise, and the ability to work closely with employees and union representatives. You will ensure effective HR processes, drive continuous improvement, and support employee wellbeing programs. The role offers competitive compensation and various benefits, including pension contributions and generous holiday days.

Benefits

Compensation up to 55k per year

Pension scheme

27 days holiday plus statutory days

Health Cashplan

2x Life Assurance cover

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of HR processes and employment law.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work on the shop floor.
• Experience with HR systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure HR process delivery including absence management and onboarding.
• Coach line managers on people management practices.
• Manage grievance and disciplinary procedures.

Skills

Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Conflict resolution skills

Data analysis

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Job description

Req ID 82185|Darlaston, United Kingdom,ZF Lemforder UK Limited

We offer a 12-month fixed-term opportunity to contribute to an exciting project/team.

About the Team:

To lead and support HR activities within a fast-paced unionized manufacturing environment, ensuring effective employee relations, compliance, and continuous improvement in HR practices. This is a hands‑on role requiring proactive engagement with employees at all levels, driving initiatives that enhance workforce performance, engagement, and HR functional excellence. To excel in this role, you will need the ability to encourage and motivate people, build strong relationships cross functionally and have exceptional communication skills.

What you can look forward to as HR Lead:

• Ensure service delivery of fundamental HR processes – inc. absence management, recruitment, onboarding, maintain accurate HR records
• Act as the primary HR contact for employees, including union representatives
• Supervise HR Apprentice and Training Officer by providing guidance, feedback, and support to develop their skills and knowledge
• Lead HR-related continuous improvement initiatives
• Coach line managers on effective people management practices
• Manage grievance and disciplinary procedures in line with company policy and union agreements
• Use internal systems to provide accurate people data with appropriate analysis and recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with operational teams to improve employee engagement and retention
• Promote employee wellbeing programs and mental health awareness
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and collective agreements.
• Support payroll and timekeeping processes in collaboration with Finance and Operations

Your profile as HR Lead:

• Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• A strong understanding of HR processes, procedures, employment law and best practices
• Hands‑on approach with the ability to work on the shop floor and build trust
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience with HR systems and data analysis
• CIPD Level 5 or above desirable
• Familiarity with payroll and timekeeping systems desirable
• Commitment to continuous improvement, attention to detail and organizational skills desirable
• Resilience and adaptability, problem‑solving and decision‑making as well as influencing and stakeholder management desirable

Why you should choose ZF in Darlaston:

• Compensation up to 55k per year
• Hours of work will normally be 37 per week, following the standard pattern.
  • Monday – Thursday: 8.00am – 4.30pm (lunch break 12.30pm – 13.00pm)
  • Friday: 8.00pm – 1.00pm (no lunch break – work straight through)
• Pension (up to 6% contribution from company with 3% contribution from employee)
• 27 days holiday, plus statutory days
• 2x Life Assurance cover
• Health Cashplan

Be part of our ZF team as HR Lead and apply now!

Contact

Anne Jügling

[phone]