HR Manager

Ferrero; Braintree; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global confectionery company seeks an experienced HR Business Partner. The role involves supporting operational HR processes, managing employee relations, and ensuring compliance with UK employment law. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, proficiency in HR systems, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This position is critical for aligning HR strategies with business goals in an industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Proactive HR professional with operational HR experience in industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of the people strategy.
• Manage employee relations and performance management.
• Contribute to workforce planning and recruitment processes.

Skills

Operational HR

Employee relations

Recruitment

UK employment law

Analytical thinking

Education

Experience in HR Business Partner or Generalist role

Tools

HR systems

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Job Location: Halstead

Company Description
Ferrero is a family-owned company with a truly progressive and global outlook and iconic brands such as Nutella, Tic Tac, Ferrero Rocher, Raffaello, Kinder Bueno and Kinder Surprise. As the love for our brands continues to grow, so too does our global reach. Represented in more than 50 countries, with products sold in more than 170, the Ferrero Group is loved by generations around the world. The secret to our global success? 40,000 dedicated employees who celebrate care and quality to craft a business, careers and brands we are proud of. Join us, and you could be one of them.

Diversity Statement
Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.

About the Role

Reporting into the Alfreton’s Head of HR, this role works in close partnership with the industrial local teams and plays a key part in delivering HR processes that support business continuity and the achievement of strategic business goals. As the primary HR contact for the Industrial teams, the role ensures strong governance and alignment with organisational priorities. It is responsible for coordinating activities related to hiring, development, and training within the Industrial function, in line with departmental needs and Group People & Organisation guidelines. The role also supports organisational initiatives that contribute to the growth and effectiveness of the structure. Additionally, the role leads the execution of employee relations processes and provides guidance and support to leaders and managers within the Industrial teams when needed.

Main Responsibilities

• This role partners closely with the Industrial teams locally to support the delivery of the people strategy, ensuring HR processes are effectively implemented and aligned with business objectives.
• Contributes to workforce planning by providing insights on timelines, talent profiles, and recruitment needs, while identifying key capabilities and supporting succession planning.
• Applies and communicates HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with internal guidelines and employment legislation.
• Advises managers on employee relations matters—including performance, absence, disciplinary actions, and consultations—ensuring fair and consistent resolution in line with legal and organisational standards.
• Manages relationships with employee representatives and keeps stakeholders informed of relevant legislative updates.
• Supports performance management by aiding development and implementation of systems that drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Contributes to reward initiatives by assisting in the design and execution of pay reviews, bonus schemes, and recognition programmes.
• With the support of the talent team, responsible for the delivery of learning and development initiatives across the organization as well as recruitment, onboarding and mobility processes, ensuring alignment with company values, frameworks and strategic goals.
• Supports organisational development by maintaining accurate records, ensuring structural changes are well communicated, and promoting compliance with Group guidelines and governance standards.

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate is a proactive and collaborative HR professional with a strong background in operational HR and employee relations, particularly within industrial or manufacturing environments. They are skilled in implementing HR processes that drive compliance, efficiency, and alignment with business strategy. With a solid understanding of employment law and organisational development, they are confident advising managers and navigating complex workforce challenges.

This person thrives in a dynamic, matrixed organisation, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution. They are a trusted partner to leadership, capable of influencing and supporting change while ensuring HR policies and practices are consistently applied. A commitment to inclusion, fairness, and continuous improvement is essential.

To succeed in this role, the candidate should have substantial experience in an HR Business Partner or HR Generalist position, gained within an industrial or operational context. A strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance is essential, along with hands-on experience in implementing HR processes across recruitment, performance management, reward, employee relations, and organisational development.

The role requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and support internal stakeholders at different levels. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are key. Proficiency in using HR systems and data to support compliance and decision-making is expected, as is a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Fluency in English is essential as well as good Excel and Powerpoint skills. The role may require occasional travel to other offices and sites.

How to be successful in the role and at Ferrero

Consumers, quality and care are at the heart of everything we do. So, to be successful at Ferrero, you’ll need to be just as consumer and product centric as we are - dedicated to crafting brilliant results for consumers around the world.