HR Manager

Optima UK Inc Ltd; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Wellingborough is seeking an experienced HR Manager to take ownership of the full HR function. The ideal candidate will manage the employee lifecycle and lead on employee relations issues. This role requires CIPD Level 5 qualification and a strong understanding of UK employment law. Join us to promote a positive workplace culture and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven HR generalist experience, ideally in food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Experience managing employee relations casework.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first contact for all HR-related matters.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle including recruitment and onboarding.
• Lead on employee relations issues.

Skills

Interpersonal and influencing skills

Understanding of UK employment law

Organisational skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualified

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Manager to take ownership of the full HR function at our busy food manufacturing site in Wellingborough. This is a standalone generalist role, ideal for a confident HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Supporting a diverse workforce, you will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive HR service that aligns with operational goals and promotes a positive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for all HR-related matters across the site, providing guidance to managers and employees.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, probation reviews, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding.
• Lead on employee relations issues including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, and conflict resolution.
• Coordinate and deliver training and development initiatives to support upskilling and compliance.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with employment law, food manufacturing regulations, and internal policies.
• Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks in line with legislative changes.
• Oversee and improve HR processes, systems, and reporting (including absence, turnover, and training records).
• Support internal communications and drive employee engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with site leadership to support workforce planning and organisational development.
• Liaise with payroll and ensure accurate and timely employee data management.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualified preferred.
• Proven HR generalist experience, ideally in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Solid understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Self-motivated, organised, and able to work independently in a standalone role.
• Experience managing ER casework confidently and professionally.
• Knowledge of health & safety, audit, and compliance frameworks within manufacturing is desirable.