HR Manager (Food Production)

Job description

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on HR leadership role within a fast-paced food production environment, supporting a large operational workforce and leading the day-to-day HR function across the business.

The role has a strong focus on employee relations and operational HR management, requiring someone who is confident managing complex people issues while partnering closely with leadership teams across production and support functions.

You will oversee the HR team, drive HR processes and compliance, and play a key role in supporting workforce performance, engagement, and retention within a busy manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously improve HR systems, processes, and reporting
• Ensure employee records and HR documentation are accurately maintained in line with GDPR and data protection requirements
• Ensure employment contracts, policies, procedures, and employee handbooks remain compliant with employment legislation and business needs
• Mentor, coordinate, and oversee the HR team, providing guidance and support across day-to-day HR operations
• Manage the full end-to-end recruitment process across operational and support roles
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external recruitment partners and agencies
• Develop and implement initiatives to improve employee retention and workforce stability within a production environment
• Partner with leadership teams to manage performance-related issues and support people management capability
• Lead and manage disciplinary, grievance, investigation, and absence management processes
• Act as a key point of contact for employee relations matters, mediating workplace issues where required
• Support managers in handling complex and high-volume employee relations cases effectively and consistently
• Ensure training and compliance requirements are completed and maintained across the workforce
• Contribute to maintaining a positive workplace culture within a fast-paced operational environment

Skills & Requirements

• Relevant degree and/or CIPD qualification
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in a HR Management role
• Strong employee relations experience is essential, ideally within a manufacturing, food production, FMCG, or operational environment
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• Experience managing disciplinary, grievance, and performance management processes
• HR systems experience and strong administrative capability
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• High attention to detail and strong compliance focus
• Strong computer literacy and reporting capability
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organisation

Why This Role?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing food production business in a highly visible HR leadership role where employee relations and operational partnership are central to success.

You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact across workforce engagement, people processes, compliance, and HR best practice while working closely with leadership teams in a dynamic production environment.