Human Resources Business Partner

Whyte & Mackay; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage manufacturer in Glasgow is seeking a HR Business Partner (HRBP) to manage employee relations and support leadership across diverse business areas. This mid-senior level role offers a hybrid work model, requiring a proactive approach to complex casework and stakeholder engagement. Candidates with experience in unionised environments and UK employment law are encouraged to apply, benefiting from a competitive salary, 35 days annual leave, and additional perks.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus package

Life assurance

Competitive pension

35 days annual leave

Enhanced family friendly policies

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex employee relations cases.
• Experience working in unionised environments.
• Ability to foster constructive relationships with trade union representatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee relations casework.
• Build relationships with department leaders.
• Provide proactive HR advice.

Skills

Managing complex employee relations cases

Knowledge of UK employment law

Relationship building with trade union representatives

Coaching and advising senior leaders

Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments

Job description

Job Title: HRBP

Function: HR

Location: Head Office, Glasgow or Grangemouth Bottling Plant - Hybrid 2-3 office based per week.

Job Level: (Internal Reference Only) 5

Contract: 12 Month FTC / Secondment - 35 Hours per week, with early finish on a Friday. As this role supports colleagues working a variety of shift patterns, occasional flexibility around working hours will be required, along with travel to different sites though this won’t be a weekly expectation.

Date vacancy will close: 19th September 2025. Where we receive high numbers of applications we may close vacancies early. If you think this is the right opportunity for you please don’t delay in applying!

Who we are

Born in Glasgow, made in Scotland and enjoyed around the world. Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning global whisky brands led by The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura and Tamnavulin. Our mission is to be a driving force in whisky, renowned for building brands that stand-out. Enabled by our brilliant community of 700 colleagues, reaching across 16 countries and counting. We’re led by our values, continuing to grow and invest and looking for great talent to join our brilliant community.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Head of HR Business Partnering, this role is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR professional with a strong grounding in employee relations to make a real impact. Working across a dynamic FMCG environment, including commercial, supply chain, and distilling, you will be at the heart of supporting leaders and teams through a wide range of activities. This role will be heavily focused on supporting employee relations activity.

From managing complex casework and advising on policy, to coaching managers through sensitive conversations and driving fair outcomes, you will be a trusted expert in navigating the nuances of employee relations. You will bring clarity and confidence to challenging situations, helping to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and engagement.

Collaboration is key, you will work closely with stakeholders across varied business areas, using data and insight to inform decisions and improve colleague experience. With a strong understanding of core HR disciplines, you will also contribute to broader people initiatives including change leadership, performance management, and workforce planning.

This is a hands-on, people-first role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, is commercially aware, and passionate about creating positive outcomes for colleagues and the business alike.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of complex ER casework, guiding managers through challenging situations while promoting consistency, fairness, and a positive colleague experience.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with department leaders to understand business goals and challenges.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with trade union representatives, fostering open dialogue and mutual respect.
• Provide proactive advice that supports operational and strategic decision-making.
• Coach, advise, influence and challenge business leaders on short and medium term people issues as required.
• Help manage significant risk and avoiding bad cost and reputational damage.
• Work with the broader HR function to provide the best solutions for the business.

Skills and experience that will help you be a success

For this role we’re looking for:

• Proven experience managing complex employee relations cases, with sound knowledge of UK employment law and a track record of delivering fair, consistent outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in unionised environments, with the ability to foster constructive relationships with trade union representatives.
• Experience of managing international workforce would be advantageous.
• Experience working with a significant number of senior leaders across multi functions, ideally within a growth environment.
• Experienced and skilled coach, able to inspire credibility, competence, and respect.

We believe that everyone has the potential for growth in our roles! You may feel you don’t tick every box for this role, but if you believe you have relevant experiences that could help you succeed we’d much rather you apply rather than rule yourself out based on any self-limiting beliefs!

Why join us

We offer a competitive salary, bonus package, life assurance, competitive pension, excellent product allowance, 35 days annual leave, plus enhanced family friendly policies. Our Rewards & Benefits page has further information.

Our application process

If you like what you’ve read and want to explore this opportunity further, please apply before the closing date listed at the top of the advert.

Our team reads each and every application, therefore you’ll hear back from us in due course.

Candidate guidance on the use of AI in the application and screening process can be found on our career site.

Should you require any adjustments to our recruitment process to help you be at your best then please contact us at [e-mail] and we’ll do what we can to support.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources
• Industries: Beverage Manufacturing

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