HR Manager - 1573

Thorlabs; Ely; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company in Ely seeks an HR Manager to lead the local HR team and develop people strategies aligned with business goals. The role requires a strategic mindset and strong HR management experience, focusing on compliance and employee engagement. This position offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including pension and healthcare.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Entertainment area

Customised training and development

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading HR teams including developing and coaching the team.
• Strong business acumen and results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to build and maintain trust-based, positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the local HR team and develop the UK people strategy.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law and HR practices.
• Drive employer branding initiatives and manage recruitment processes.

Skills

HR management experience

Team leadership

Strategic mindset

Knowledge of UK employment law

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field

CIPD qualification

Tools

HR systems (e.g., ADP, UKG)

Job description

What is the job?

The HR Manager leads the local HR team and owns the people strategy, which aligns with the business strategy, for the UK. The Manager ensures the implementation of global and European HR strategies at national level. The role partners closely with management and international stakeholders to design and deliver people practices that attract, retain and motivate employees while being compliant, efficient, and business-aligned. In addition, the position oversees Travel and to provide seamless support for employees and organizational goals.

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Department:

HR

Leadership role:

Yes – 3 direct reports

Interview process:

2/3 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 hour Teams interview

Possible Second stage: 1 hour Teams interview. Third stage: OnSite 2/3 hour interview

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

It’s a hybrid role, working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Leadership (40%)

Team Leadership

• Functional and disciplinary leadership of the local HR team, Facility Team and Travel Team
• Task allocation, goal setting, feedback sessions, and development of team members
• Conducting annual reviews, performance evaluations, and absence management
• Supporting and leading change management initiatives within HR
• Driving the professional growth of the HR team

Change Management

• Supporting and guiding organizational change processes
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders

Operational & Strategic HR Work (60%)

HR Strategy & Collaboration

• Contributes to and implement Global and European HR strategies at the local level
• Develop the UK people strategy
• Acting as collaborative partner to local management in all HR-related and strategic matters; viewed as an advisor and coach
• Close collaboration with European functional leaders (Sales, Logistics, etc.) Employment Law & Compliance
• Advising management on labour law and compliance-related topics

Payroll & HR Controlling

• Responsibility for accurate and timely payroll execution
• Steering HR controlling processes (e.g., budget planning, compensation cycles, forecasts)
• Analyzing and preparing HR KPIs for data-driven decision-making
• Creating reports and dashboards for management
• Talent Development & Recruitment

• Supporting training planning, learning programs, and individual development plans
• Managing the local recruitment process in close collaboration with the global Talent Acquisition team
• Driving employer branding initiatives (such as Investors in People and other accreditations)

HR Projects & Digitalization

• Leading and implementing site-specific as well as international HR projects
• Supporting the advancement of digital HR processes and tools
• Promoting initiatives around diversity, wellbeing, and employee engagement

Other duties

• Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members. Including, the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members. Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting - this would include supporting and or leading accident investigations.
• Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members. Including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices.

What is essential to us…

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field or a higher level CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification.
• Proven experience in HR management, including team leadership, employee development, and strategic HR.
• Proven experience leading HR teams including developing and coaching the team.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align business strategy with people strategies.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR compliance, and best practices.
• Solid expertise in HR metrics, reporting, and controlling.
• Proficient in HR systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Dayforce, Oracle, SAP or similar).
• Strong business acumen and results-oriented mindset.
• Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain trust-based, positive relationships.
• Empathy: Strong understanding of employees’ needs and challenges.
• Negotiation Skills: Confident and goal-oriented negotiation in HR-related contexts, balancing interests.
• Active Listening: Attentively listening to employees and team members.
• Leadership & Coaching: Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop team members.
• Communication Skills: Ability to present information, create presentations and other communication materials. Facilitation skills a plus. Strong EQ.

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference:

THOR-VC-1573

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail [e-mail].

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.