HR Generalist

Job description

We are seeking a proactive and organised HR professional to provide day-to-day support across the full HR remit. This role will cover recruitment, absence and performance management, employee relations, engagement activities, and general HR operations. The successful candidate will be confident in handling sensitive matters, building relationships across all levels, and ensuring compliance with HR policies and employment legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Absence Management

• Produce and maintain daily and weekly absence reports, updating the HR “Teams” channel and contacting employees as required.
• Manage absence trackers and highlight breaches of policy to managers for action.
• Support line managers with absence investigations, disciplinary processes, and welfare meetings.
• Coordinate occupational health referrals and appointments, ensuring employees are informed.
• Ensure return-to-work forms are completed and followed up appropriately.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Coordinate end-to-end recruitment for General Operatives, including advertising vacancies, maintaining applicant databases, shortlisting, and interviewing.
• Support site-wide recruitment activities in partnership with hiring managers.
• Manage onboarding processes, including HR inductions, contract preparation, right-to-work checks, and new starter documentation.
• Represent the company at external careers events and job fairs.

Employee Engagement

• Work with internal teams and external partners to deliver engagement initiatives.
• Drive employee forums, ensuring quarterly meetings are scheduled and facilitated.
• Maintain communication channels, including noticeboards, digital screens, and the engagement calendar.

Employee Relations & Performance

• Assist with grievance, investigation, and disciplinary processes.
• Monitor probationary reviews, sending reminders to managers and supporting in review meetings.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees on HR policies and procedures.

HR Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate employee records and trackers, including absence, probation, right to work, leavers, and employee lists.
• Prepare letters, forms, and HR documentation as required.
• Conduct exit interviews and provide feedback to management.
• Support HSE administration and contribute to HR/HSE projects.
• Prepare KPIs in the absence of the HR Manager.
• Ensure all work complies with health and safety policies and procedures.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in a generalist HR role.
• Strong background in absence management and investigations.
• Knowledge and practical application of employment law.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• High attention to detail and organisational ability.
• Proficient in MS Office and HR systems.
• CIPD or a relevant HR/business qualification desirable.
• FMCG industry experience advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Confident and influential, with the ability to challenge constructively.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Solutions-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Approachable, professional, and discreet.