UK HR Business Partner

Michael Page (UK); Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR recruitment firm is seeking a UK HR Business Partner to shape the people agenda in a multi-site manufacturing environment. This role involves supporting leaders at the Ellesmere Port site with HR delivery as well as strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong HR expertise in operational environments and excellent communication skills to influence outcomes and drive improvements across the HR function. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for career development within an expanding organization.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Career development opportunities

Values-driven culture

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, or operational environments.
• Ability to manage complex ER matters and high-volume recruitment.
• Capability to drive HR process improvements and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive HR advice across all topics.
• Lead on employee relations, performance, and workforce planning.
• Implement HR fundamentals focusing on talent attraction and retention.
• Embed new HR systems and drive cultural initiatives.

Skills

Strong generalist HR expertise

Analytical capability

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of employment law

Job description

• Shape the UK People agenda in a growing and evolving part of the business
• Advance your career within an international group with scope for development

About Our Client

Our customer is an international specialist manufacturing business services organisation with a long-standing presence across Europe. Operating at scale and recognised as a leader in its sector, the business supports a network of independent manufacturing partners through high-quality, reliable and efficient production capability. With operations spanning multiple countries and a reputation for technical excellence, the organisation is built on the values of Collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. Their culture reflects their family heritage: inclusive, people-focused and committed to long‑term, sustainable growth. This is an exciting time to join the UK division as it continues to expand, invest in capability, and strengthen operational performance.

Job Description

As the UK HR Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the People agenda across a multi‑site, manufacturing‑led environment. You will support leaders at the UK Ellesmere Port site supporting a headcount of approx. 100 people, partnering closely with operational teams to deliver both day‑to‑day HR support and longer‑term strategic initiatives. This is a highly visible role that blends operational HR delivery with meaningful project ownership, cultural development and organisational improvement. You will operate as part of a matrix structure, working closely with UK leadership and European Centres of Excellence to embed high standards, improve process maturity and enhance the overall colleague experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational HR Leadership
  • Provide proactive, solution‑focused advice to managers and colleagues across all HR topics
  • Lead on employee relations, absence management, performance, and workforce planning
  • Drive improvements in core HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, payroll coordination and compliance
  • Support shift‑based operational teams to optimise workforce availability and reduce reliance on overtime
• Strategic People Partnership
  • Implement HR fundamentals with particular focus on talent attraction, retention and engagement
  • Shape and deliver people initiatives aligned to UK and European People plans
  • Lead organisational design and restructuring activity to support efficiency and growth
  • Review and enhance terms & conditions, pay frameworks and HR governance
  • Work in partnership with L&D colleagues to uplift capability, skills and leadership development
• Projects & Transformation
  • Embed new HR systems and processes (e.g. time & attendance, payroll integrations)
  • Drive cultural development initiatives in line with the organisation's values
  • Own continuous improvement projects to strengthen HR maturity and improve employee experience
  • Monitor and analyse data to inform decision‑making, identifying trends and recommending actions

The role requires regular on‑site presence (5 days per week).

The Successful Applicant

You will thrive in this role if you enjoy variety, influence, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. The ideal candidate will bring strong generalist HR expertise gained within manufacturing, engineering, logistics, or other 24/7 operational environments, with a solid understanding of employment law, HR policy, and best practice. They will be confident managing complex and sensitive ER matters, high‑volume recruitment, and capability initiatives, while also driving improvements to HR processes, governance frameworks, and ways of working across a matrix structure. The role requires someone who can balance immediate operational demands with longer‑term strategic delivery, and who is comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Strong analytical capability is essential, including the ability to use data and insights to inform decisions, influence outcomes, and shape thinking. Excellent communication skills - alongside the confidence to engage, challenge, and build credible relationships at all levels - are critical. Above all, the successful candidate will bring a pragmatic, hands‑on approach and the ability to act as a trusted partner across a dynamic, industrial environment.

What's on Offer

Package: £65,000 to £75,000, plus a performance related bonus, and benefits. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your career within a values‑driven, forward‑thinking organisation. You will:

• Shape the UK People agenda within a growing and evolving part of the business
• Partner with senior leaders to directly influence operational performance and organisational outcomes
• Contribute to a culture grounded in strong values and a clear long‑term vision
• Lead high‑impact projects that will genuinely transform how the UK business operates
• Build your career within an international group offering exceptional development and progression opportunities