Interim HR Manager

VanRath; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established manufacturing organisation is seeking an Interim HR Manager to drive HR strategies and partner with senior leaders. In this senior, site-based role, you will lead an HR team, manage employee relations, and ensure alignment of HR policies with business objectives. Ideal candidates should have a CIPD Level 7 qualification and extensive experience in a manufacturing context. This interim role offers a competitive salary up to £55,000 and a chance to make a significant impact in the company.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years' experience in a generalist HR role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in employee relations, including union relations.
• Resilient and comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
• Independent thinker with strong judgement.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to implement HR policies aligned to business objectives.
• Lead an on-site HR team, ensuring an effective HR service.
• Coach managers on performance management and employee development planning.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation.
• Provide HR expertise across employee relations, engagement, and compensation.

Skills

CIPD Level 7 qualified

Employee relations

MS Office capability

Mediation and conflict resolution

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Influencing skills

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Interim HR Manager (Manufacturing)
We are recruiting an experienced Interim HR Manager to join a well-established manufacturing organisation on an interim basis. This is a senior, site-based role where you will partner closely with the leadership team to deliver the people agenda while leading a small, capable HR team.
As Interim HR Manager, you will play a key role in translating business priorities into practical HR strategies that support performance, engagement, and operational continuity. The organisation is intentionally confidential at this stage but offers a hands‑on, impactful interim assignment.

The Role

The Interim HR Manager will partner with senior leaders to develop and execute HR plans focused on workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, and talent development, ensuring alignment with short‑and long‑term business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to develop and implement HR policies and practices aligned to business objectives
• Provide thought leadership on organisational and people‑related planning and workforce deployment
• Lead an on‑site HR team of two, ensuring an effective, responsive HR service
• Support managers with complex people management and employee relations issues, including union engagement
• Ensure key stakeholders are appropriately informed and consulted on relevant business proposals
• Produce, analyse, and report HR data, ensuring management and statutory reporting requirements are met
• Coach and support managers on performance management and employee development planning
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of employment legislation, updating HR policies and processes in line with best practice
• Provide HR expertise across employee relations, engagement, development, coaching, and compensation
• Own the annual labour budget and manage HR budget spend

Required Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 qualified
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in a generalist HR role within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, including union relations
• Excellent attention to detail with strong MS Office capability, particularly Excel
• Proven experience in mediation and conflict resolution
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable dealing with ambiguity
• Independent thinker with strong judgement and decision‑making skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence and drive change at all levels of the organisation

This interim opportunity offers a competitive salary of up to £55,000 and the chance to make an immediate and meaningful impact within a manufacturing setting.
For more information or a confidential discussion, please apply or get in touch at [e-mail].