UK HR Business Partner

Michael Page; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialist manufacturing business in the UK is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to align HR practices with business goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong HR expertise within a manufacturing environment, be proficient in employee relations, recruitment, and HR governance. This role requires on-site presence and offers a competitive salary ranging from £65,000 to £75,000 along with performance-related bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Career development opportunities

Values-driven culture

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of employment law and HR policy.
• Ability to support operational and strategic HR initiatives.
• Experience in matrix organization and multi-site environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive advice to managers on HR topics.
• Lead on employee relations and performance management.
• Drive improvements in core HR processes.
• Support operational teams to optimize workforce availability.
• Implement HR fundamentals focused on talent attraction.

Skills

HR expertise in manufacturing

Analytical capability

Complex and sensitive ER management

High-volume recruitment

Excellent communication skills

Education

Generalist HR expertise

Job description

The UK HR Business Partner will play an integral role in aligning human resource practices with business goals in the industrial and manufacturing sector. This permanent position, based in Ellesmere Port, requires a strategic thinker with expertise in human resources to support organisational success.

Client Details

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.

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).

Profile

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.

Job 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