Strategic HR Manager: Compliance + Recruitment Leader

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonus

Generous pension with 7% employer

Employee Assistance Programme

Gym discount up to 25%

Fuel card savings

33 days annual leave

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is seeking an experienced HR Manager to provide expert guidance across multiple sites in the UK. You will partner with leadership to drive people strategies, ensure compliance with UK employment law, and support managers and employees to excel.

You will lead recruitment, HR analytics, training, health and wellbeing, and employee relations, while building a positive culture.

Qualifications

• Chartered CIPD or working towards.
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing/rail environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law.
• Proven recruitment experience in fast-paced settings.
• Proficient with HRIS/HCM and data reporting, including Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert HR guidance to managers across the business.
• Ensure policies align with local legislation and collective agreements.
• Oversee HR compliance, records, GDPR, and audit-ready processes.
• Lead end-to-end recruitment including onboarding.
• Coach managers on performance, absence, and employee relations.
• Manage HR systems, generate reports and KPIs.
• Lead training, development, succession planning, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Promote equality and a positive culture across all sites.

Skills

HR advisory

Management coaching

Stakeholder engagement

Data reporting (Excel)

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

CIPD Chartered status or working towards

Tools

HRIS/HCM

Advanced Excel

Job description

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is seeking an experienced HR Manager to provide expert guidance across multiple sites in the UK. You will partner with leadership to drive people strategies, ensure compliance with UK employment law, and support managers and employees to excel.

You will lead recruitment, HR analytics, training, health and wellbeing, and employee relations, while building a positive culture.