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 actionsThe 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