HR Manager

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions; Cobridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional recruitment agency is seeking an HR Manager to lead HR functions in Stoke-on-Trent. The successful candidate will enhance HR practices across UK and European operations, drive cultural change, and support various departments. Proven HR experience in a manufacturing setting and strong knowledge of UK employment law are essential. The role offers a salary of £45,000 - £50,000 and is office-based with the potential for strategic input.

Qualifications

• Proven HR generalist experience at Manager or Senior Business Partner level.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and European practices.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience managing HR teams.
• Practical experience implementing HR systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a people strategy aligned with operational goals.
• Drive employee engagement and performance improvement.
• Manage end-to-end HR operations including recruitment and onboarding.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation.
• Produce and analyze HR metrics for operational decisions.

Skills

HR generalist experience

Knowledge of UK employment law

Stakeholder influence

Team management

HR systems implementation

Communication skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Job description

HR Manager

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST1 • £45,000 - £50,000 per annum • Full time Permanent role working Monday to Friday Office based

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are recruiting for a HR Manager or Head of HR to join a company based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Are you an experienced HR professional with a strong background in manufacturing environments or similar? Reporting to the Managing Director you will lead and evolve the HR function across UK and European operations, supporting departments such as Production, Technical Support, Purchasing, Sales, and Service.

Working in a team of 3, this is a hands‑on, strategic role ideal for someone who thrives in fast‑paced, operationally focused settings and is passionate about driving cultural change, improving workforce capability, and embedding consistent HR practices across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement a people strategy aligned with manufacturing and operational goals.
• Drive initiatives to improve employee engagement, retention, and performance across production and field‑based teams.
• Lead the transition from manual HR processes to digital systems, enhancing data accuracy and reporting.
• Support organisational design and succession planning to ensure long‑term workforce capability.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting a collaborative, inclusive, and performance‑driven environment.

Operational HR Management

• Oversee end‑to‑end HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, absence, and disciplinary procedures.
• Ensure compliance with UK and European employment legislation, particularly in manufacturing and field service contexts.
• Provide expert HR guidance to line managers, enabling effective team leadership and fair decision‑making.
• Manage and develop a small HR team to deliver high‑quality, responsive support to the business.
• Lead annual performance reviews and objective‑setting processes, ensuring consistency across departments.
• Collaborate with Finance to manage compensation and benefits, ensuring alignment with market benchmarks and internal equity.
• Produce and analyse HR metrics to support operational decisions and continuous improvement.
• Oversee payroll and time & attendance systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Review and streamline HR documentation and processes to improve efficiency and standardisation across manufacturing and service operations.
• Lead or support the implementation of a fit‑for‑purpose HRIS to enhance data management and reporting.
• Champion continuous improvement in HR administration, compliance, and employee experience.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven HR generalist experience at Manager or Senior Business Partner level within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and familiarity with European HR practices.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive cultural and operational change.
• Experience managing and developing HR teams.
• Practical experience implementing or optimising HR systems and digital processes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• CIPD qualified (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Experience in multi‑site or international operations.
• Understanding of HR compliance for mobile and remote field‑based teams.
• Exposure to continuous improvement or change management initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable, and resilient with a hands‑on mindset.
• Strategic thinker who can balance long‑term objectives with day‑to‑day priorities.
• Passionate about developing people and improving organisational culture.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and accountability.

If you would like to apply for the role of HR Manager then please email your CV to or call Deb on (phone number removed)

Closing date is #removed# Please note this could change subject to suitable applications.

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are acting as an employment agency on behalf of its client.

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Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job. Whilst we endeavour to respond to all applications individually, due to high volumes, this is not always possible. Thank you for your interest in this role and we look forward to working with you in the future.