HR Manager - FTC Maternity Cover

Church & Dwight; Folkestone; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic consumer goods company based in Folkestone is looking for an experienced HR Manager for a maternity cover role starting January 2026. You will lead the UK HR team, manage employee relations, and ensure compliance with UK employment law. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of HR experience, particularly in fast-paced FMCG environments. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits including 24 days of annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

24 days annual leave

Pension matched up to 9%

Life assurance cover

Membership of a health cash plan

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading a HR function through a team.
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and experience with complex ER casework.
• Experience in a fast-paced or FMCG environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK HR Team to deliver effective HR service.
• Partner with management to provide coaching on people-related topics.
• Manage Employee Relations cases and onboarding.

Skills

Leading a HR function

UK employment law knowledge

Experience in FMCG

Microsoft Programs proficiency

Building relationships with stakeholders

Communication and interpersonal skills

Agility in decision making

Tools

HR Information System (Workday)

Job description

Job Description

A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference.

We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment.

Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries.

United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because : Together We Have the Power to Win.

Are you an experienced HR Manager, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment? Are you collaborative and able to influence stakeholders at all levels within an organisation?

If the answer is yes - then look no further as Church & Dwight UK Ltd have an exciting opportunity for a HR Manager to join our team in Folkestone, Kent for a FTC maternity cover for approximately 8 months. This role will start January 2026 and is based on site 5 days per week.

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading the UK HR team to deliver an effective service to the UK subsidiary, comprising of a manufacturing site, logistics centre, R&D facility and commercial offices. Critical to this role is building and maintaining credible relationships across the whole UK business to provide support to both the management team and employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the UK HR Team (HR Advisors, HR Coordinator, Payroll Officer) to deliver an effective HR service to the organisation.
• Business partner with the UK Management teams to provide coaching and guidance on people related topics.
• Management of Employee Relations cases (Grievance, Disciplinary, Performance Management, Ill health etc as required).
• Recruitment and onboarding for UK employees.
• Management of employee welfare in collaboration with Occupational health and ensuring statutory obligations are met (such as employee health surveillance).
• Ensuring the company is compliant with UK employment law and policies are relevant and regularly reviewed.
• Managing the Welfare and Training budgets to maximise benefits for the company.
• Supporting with a range of initiatives and projects, including Mental Health, Employee Engagement, D&I

Qualifications

• Have proven experience (minimum 5 years) of leading a HR function through a team (including payroll)
• Have up to date knowledge of UK employment law with significant experience of managing complex ER casework
• Have previously worked in an FMCG environment or similar fast-paced environment
• Be digitally savvy – very confident with Microsoft Programs and managing a HR Information System (Workday would be ideal)
• Be a team player, able to build credible relationships with stakeholders at all levels within the organisation
• Have excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Be agile – able to make decisions quickly and with limited information

Working hours are Monday – Thursday 9 : 00 – 17 : 00 and Friday 9 : 00 – 16 : 30.

In return we offer a competitive package, including 24 days annual leave, a pension matched up to 9%, life assurance cover and membership of a health cash plan.