HR Manager (12 Month MAT Cover) in Gloucester

A brilliant opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR Manager to join a leading organisation in the manufacturing sector on a 12-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave. This role plays a pivotal part in overseeing day-to-day HR operations, leading a small team, and partnering with senior managers to deliver the people strategy.

You\’ll need to be within a commutable distance of Bristol and hold a full UK driving licence, as occasional travel between local sites is required.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Advisory

• Act as the escalation point for daily HR queries
• Support payroll, pensions, benefits and absence management
• Provide guidance on all family leave policies
• Lead on disciplinary, grievance and capability cases
• Support recruitment, particularly senior-level hiring
• Handle flexible working requests and approvals

HR Team Leadership

• Line manage and develop the HR team
• Deliver 1:1s, coaching sessions and oversee cross‑skilling
• Drive team initiatives and ensure seamless operations

Business Partnering

• Work closely with senior managers to support business objectives
• Support restructures, consultations and talent planning
• Coach managers on performance and development

Learning & Development

• Oversee L&D activity and internal training
• Manage apprenticeship levy usage and development programmes
• Monitor L&D budgets and uptake

Culture, Engagement & Communications

• Champion culture and values across the business
• Lead engagement activity and Employee Voice groups
• Support wellbeing initiatives, EAP, MHFA and Occupational Health
• Collaborate with internal communications on content and messaging

Systems, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate HRIS data and produce HR metrics
• Ensure policy updates and legal compliance
• Support EDI initiatives and annual HR cycle tasks

Project Management

• Lead/support HR projects such as ATS implementation and leadership development programmes
• Drive process improvements and digitalisation

What You’ll Need

• Proven HR leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Strong UK employment law knowledge
• Experience across ER, recruitment, L&D and partnering with senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication, coaching and relationship‑building skills

Working Pattern & Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• 1 day per week working from home
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Strong wellbeing and benefits offering

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

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