HR Manager

AJP Recruitment; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

AJP Recruitment represents a major engineering and manufacturing organisation in the North East of England, seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the HR function and deliver a proactive, data-led people strategy. You will manage a team of three HR Officers, partner with managers, handle complex employee relations, payroll, onboarding/offboarding and HR projects across UK operations.

The role requires a generalist HR background and strong stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in HR, Business or related field.
• Broad UK generalist HR experience, including leading or managing an HR function or team.
• Strong employee relations experience and ability to handle complex people matters.
• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, construction or similarly operational environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an HR strategy aligned with business and Group objectives.
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team, ensuring the function is organised and effective.
• Provide operational HR support, advice and challenge to managers across the organisation.
• Manage complex employee relations matters including performance, attendance and conduct.
• Support recruitment and workforce planning in partnership with management.
• Promote and deliver the Group’s learning and development framework.
• Oversee payroll delivery and broader compensation and benefits remit.
• Ensure compliant HR administration and UK employment legislation.

Skills

Generalist HR experience

Employee relations

Payroll knowledge

HR data reporting

Stakeholder management

HR processes improvement

Education

Degree or professional qualification in HR, Business or related discipline

Job description

The Company

A major engineering and manufacturing organisation with a significant UK presence, specialising in the fabrication of large-scale steel structures for some of Europe’s most ambitious energy and infrastructure projects.

Operating from substantial manufacturing facilities in the North East of England, the business combines advanced fabrication capabilities, world-class engineering expertise and a highly skilled workforce.

With a strong pipeline of work supporting the continued growth of the offshore wind and renewable energy sectors, the organisation offers the opportunity to be part of exciting, technically challenging and high-profile projects that are helping to shape the future of energy.

Continued investment in its people, facilities and manufacturing capabilities makes this an excellent environment for ambitious professionals looking to build a long-term career within a successful, growing and internationally connected engineering organisation.

The Role

As HR Manager, you will lead the HR function and play an influential role within the wider management team, ensuring the business receives high-quality, commercially focused HR support.

You will be responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving the local HR strategy in line with the organisation’s wider objectives. The role supports a diverse workforce encompassing office-based and shop-floor employees, alongside a significant subcontractor population.

Leading a team of three HR Officers, you will ensure the effective delivery of the full HR remit while acting as a trusted advisor to managers and senior leadership. You will provide support and challenge on complex people matters and help ensure a consistent, practical and professional approach to people management across the business.

As the principal local contact for HR matters, you will also work closely with colleagues across the wider international Group, contributing to Group-wide HR initiatives and ensuring local policies and processes remain aligned with broader standards. You will have access to the expertise, systems and resources of the wider Group while retaining significant responsibility for the development of the UK HR function.

A key focus will be continuing to develop the HR function from a reactive service towards an increasingly proactive, data-led and strategically focused business partner.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an HR strategy aligned with business and Group objectives.
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team, ensuring the function is organised, effective and focused on business priorities.
• Provide strong operational HR support, advice and constructive challenge to managers across the organisation.
• Manage complex employee relations matters, including performance, attendance, conduct and other employee issues.
• Support high-quality recruitment and workforce planning in close partnership with management.
• Promote and deliver the Group’s learning and development framework.
• Monitor and continuously improve onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Oversee accurate payroll delivery and manage the wider compensation and benefits remit.
• Ensure efficient, accurate and compliant HR administration.
• Maintain compliance with UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Act as a trusted HR advisor to senior management and contribute to wider business and management decisions.
• Provide HR guidance on matters associated with the organisation’s subcontractor workforce.
• Lead and contribute to HR projects both locally and across the wider Group.
• Develop HR management information and reporting to provide greater insight and support effective decision-making.
• Continuously improve HR processes, systems and controls, with a particular focus on consistency, efficiency and digitalisation.

About You

You will be an experienced HR professional with a strong generalist background and the confidence to operate as both a hands-on HR leader and a credible member of the management team.

You will ideally have:

• A degree or relevant professional qualification in HR, Business or a related discipline.
• Broad UK generalist HR experience, including experience leading or managing an HR function or team.
• Strong employee relations experience and confidence handling complex people matters.
• Experience within a manufacturing, engineering, construction or similarly operational environment would be highly advantageous.
• A strong understanding of payroll, including relevant regulations and effective process management.
• Experience of developing and improving HR processes, systems and working practices.
• The ability to collect, analyse and clearly present HR data and management information to support business decisions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the confidence to advise, support and challenge managers at all levels.
• A pragmatic, commercially aware approach and the ability to balance strategic priorities with the day-to-day demands of a busy operational environment