Senior HR Officer

ZF Friedrichshafen AG; Wednesbury; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Wednesbury is seeking a hands-on HR leader to ensure effective HR practices and employee relations in a unionized environment. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and experience in HR processes, with a commitment to continuous improvement. This role offers a salary of up to £55k per year and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Pension plan

27 days holiday plus statutory days

Health Cashplan

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of HR processes, procedures, and employment law.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work on the shop floor and build trust.

Responsibilities

• Ensure service delivery of fundamental HR processes.
• Act as the primary HR contact for employees, including union representatives.
• Lead HR-related continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Conflict resolution skills

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Job description

Overview

To lead and support HR activities within a fast-paced unionized manufacturing environment, ensuring effective employee relations, compliance, and continuous improvement in HR practices. This is a hands-on role requiring proactive engagement with employees at all levels, driving initiatives that enhance workforce performance, engagement, and HR functional excellence. To excel in this role, you will need the ability to encourage and motivate people, build strong relationships cross functionally and have exceptional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure service delivery of fundamental HR processes - including absence management, recruitment, onboarding, and maintaining accurate HR records
• Act as the primary HR contact for employees, including union representatives
• Supervise HR Apprentice and Training Officer by providing guidance, feedback, and support to develop their skills and knowledge
• Lead HR-related continuous improvement initiatives
• Coach line managers on effective people management practices
• Manage grievance and disciplinary procedures in line with company policy and union agreements
• Use internal systems to provide accurate people data with appropriate analysis and recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with operational teams to improve employee engagement and retention
• Promote employee wellbeing programs and mental health awareness
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and collective agreements
• Support payroll and timekeeping processes in collaboration with Finance and Operations

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• A strong understanding of HR processes, procedures, employment law and best practices
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work on the shop floor and build trust
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience with HR systems and data analysis
• CIPD Level 5 or above desirable
• Familiarity with payroll and timekeeping systems desirable
• Commitment to continuous improvement, attention to detail and organizational skills desirable
• Resilience and adaptability, problem-solving and decision-making as well as influencing and stakeholder management desirable

Benefits

• Compensation up to 55k per year
• Hours of work will normally be 37 per week, following the standard pattern
• Monday - Thursday: 8.00am - 4.30pm (lunch break 12.30pm - 13.00pm)
• Friday: 8.00am - 1.00pm (no lunch break)
• Pension (up to 6% contribution from company with 3% contribution from employee)
• 27 days holiday, plus statutory days
• 2x Life Assurance cover
• Health Cashplan

DEI and About ZF

At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility. Find out how we work at ZF.