HR Manager – Joint Venture (Manufacturing Site)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to join our new joint‑venture manufacturing site in West Lancashire. You will be the primary HR partner for a unionised workforce, driving employee experience and supporting business objectives during a period of transition.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day HR operations and employee‑relations matters, including investigations, absences, grievances and disciplinary actions.
• Partner with plant leadership and union representatives to maintain strong industrial relations.
• Coach and develop managers to handle people‑related issues confidently.
• Assess risk, resolve issues and determine when to involve external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law, internal policies and collective agreements.
• Support organisational changes such as restructuring, shift adjustments and redundancy processes.
• Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment for hourly and salaried roles aligned with production needs.
• Collaborate on workforce planning and staffing forecasts based on operational demand.
• Manage compensation processes, including union negotiations, merit planning and market adjustments.
• Coordinate with payroll and external vendors to deliver consistent, compliant HR services.

Required profile

• CIPD qualification.
• Proven HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations, preferably in a manufacturing or logistics environment.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape HR strategy in a high‑impact joint‑venture.
• Collaboration with a global HR team and senior plant leadership.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.