HR & Learning and Development Manager

Blue Arrow; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Pension up to 5%

Death in Service (4x salary)

Free on-site parking

Sick pay up to 26 weeks

Cycle to Work

Role-specific training

Employee benefits portal

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Blue Arrow seeks an experienced HR & Learning and Development Manager to join the Senior Leadership Team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, based in Leyland with regular travel to Thornton. You will lead HR and L&D, strengthen leadership capability and foster a high-performing culture across ~270 staff.

Role blends strategic oversight with hands-on operational support, coaching managers, handling complex employee relations, and guiding change initiatives. Potential for extension or permanency.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior HR management role.
• Strong employee relations expertise and sound employment law knowledge.
• Experience coaching and developing managers at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the people agenda as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Develop and deliver HR and people strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Drive leadership and management development across the organisation.
• Coach and mentor managers to build confidence, capability and accountability.
• Lead on complex employee relations matters and provide expert employment law advice.
• Support organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee recruitment, talent management, succession planning and employee engagement activities.
• Lead and develop the HR and Learning & Development team.
• Use people data and insights to support business decision-making.
• Build strong working relationships with managers, employees, trade union representatives and external partners.

Skills

Senior HR

Employee relations

Coaching & development

Employment law

HR strategy

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPD Level 7

Job description

HR & Learning and Development Manager

Fixed-Term Contract (12 Months)

Salary: 64,700 per annum

Location: Leyland, PR26 6TB, with regular travel required to our second site in Thornton, FY7 8RY

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded HR & Learning and Development Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a successful and growing operational business employing approximately 270 people. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will lead the HR and Learning & Development function, helping us strengthen leadership capability, develop our people and drive a positive, high-performing culture.

Whilst this role has a strong strategic focus, we are looking for someone who enjoys being hands‑on and operational. You will be equally comfortable contributing at Board and Senior Leadership level as you are supporting managers with complex employee relations issues on site.

There is potential for this role to be extended and/or become a permanent appointment, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to demonstrate their impact and help shape the future direction of the people function.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the people agenda as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Develop and deliver HR and people strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Drive leadership and management development across the organisation.
• Coach and mentor managers to build confidence, capability and accountability.
• Lead on complex employee relations matters and provide expert employment law advice.
• Support organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee recruitment, talent management, succession planning and employee engagement activities.
• Lead and develop the HR and Learning & Development team.
• Use people data and insights to support business decision-making.
• Build strong working relationships with managers, employees, trade union representatives and external partners.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience in a senior HR management role.
• Strong employee relations expertise and sound employment law knowledge.
• Experience coaching and developing managers at all levels.
• A proven track record of delivering people initiatives that improve organisational performance.
• Experience influencing and partnering with senior leaders.
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with day‑to‑day operational HR demands.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
• CIPD Level 7 qualification (or Level 5 with substantial relevant management experience).

What We Offer

• Salary of 64,700 per annum.
• 27 days annual leave, increasing to 32 days with length of service.
• Company contributory pension scheme matched up to 5%.
• Death in Service cover, 4x salary.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Company sick pay scheme, up to 26 weeks dependent on length of service.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Role‑specific training and development.
• Employee benefits portal including lifestyle savings.
• Wellbeing support services.
• All required PPE and relevant equipment supplied.

About the Business

We operate two major waste treatment facilities located in Leyland and Thornton, providing an essential service that helps divert the majority of residual household waste away from landfill and supports a more sustainable future.

Our employees work across operations, maintenance, logistics and support functions, with a strong emphasis on continuous development, internal progression and professional growth.

We are committed to providing a positive, supportive and inclusive workplace, with a focus on health, safety and wellbeing for all employees.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and value diversity in our workforce.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.

All offers of employment are subject to:

• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
• Satisfactory completion of a company medical, including testing for drugs and alcohol.
• Compliance with the Company's zero‑tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol in the workplace, including periodic random testing.