HR & Administration Senior Manager/Director in Maidstone

Company Overview: Founded in 1999, Asymchem is a global integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) providing drug R&D and manufacturing for leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Our mission is to drive smarter, greener, and more cost-effective manufacturing to support clinical research and commercialization. Asymchem currently operates eight manufacturing facilities offering solutions ranging from early clinical stage to commercial stage, including R&D, cGMP production of advanced intermediates, APIs, formulations, and clinical research services.

Job Overview: A self-driven and results-oriented professional with proven HR site management experience. Proficient in local regulations and cultural environment, capable of independently handling payroll and benefits operations. Familiar with all HR functions. Serve as the core contact for on-site employees, overseeing end-to-end HR processes and driving smooth site HR management.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Proficiency in the operation standards of all core HR functions (recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, training, off-boarding) to ensure smooth connection between functions and compliance with the company's global HR strategy and local regulatory requirements.
• Independently manage the full recruitment process, including demand analysis, talent sourcing, and interview organization. Ensure the onboarding cycle of key positions meets business needs.
• Lead the implementation of performance management and application of performance results to promote the effective operation of the performance system.
• Be responsible for employee relations management, including daily employee communication, prevention and handling of labor disputes, and employee off-boarding management to maintain harmonious and stable employee relations.
• Independently respond to employees' inquiries related to payroll and benefits. Regularly organize payroll and benefits data reports to provide data support for the headquarters' finance and HR decision-making.
• Independently maintain payroll and benefits files in accordance with regulatory requirements. Ensure the integrity and confidentiality of files, and provide required materials in cooperation with internal and external audits.
• Act as the primary contact for on-site employees, timely responding to and handling employees' HR-related needs. Regularly report the progress of on-site HR work to the headquarters' HR team to ensure timely and accurate information synchronization.
• Promote the implementation of HR projects, such as employee satisfaction surveys, training program execution, and corporate culture activities to improve employee engagement and sense of belonging.
• Proactively identify pain points in on-site HR processes and promote process optimization.
• Work effectively as a change agent and drive continuous process improvement. Provide data support for internal and external payroll audits and local wage surveys.
• Organize, coordinate and manage the administrative work based on needs, including but not limited to site daily operation/travel & expenses/meetings/external vendors management.

Experience Requirements - Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• A recognized UK professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD Level 5 or above, up to Chartered Member/Fellow) is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree or above, HR generalist/site management experience in the UK, with in-depth, practical knowledge of UK employment law and legislation. Must be able to translate legal requirements into robust HR policies and provide clear, actionable guidance to managers and colleagues.
• Solid understanding of UK payroll, taxation, HR information systems, and budgeting processes.
• Proven, hands-on experience in managing the full spectrum of employee lifecycle events under UK law, including but not limited to: recruitment, disciplinary proceedings, performance management, long-term absence, organizational changes, and redundancies.
• Proficient in all HR functions, with the ability to independently operate payroll and benefits systems and processes, ensuring accurate and compliant execution.
• Proven track record in recruitment, with excellent talent sourcing and recruitment execution capabilities; experience in end-to-end recruitment management is preferred.
• Strong execution ability, result-oriented, able to prioritize tasks effectively and deliver high-quality results under pressure.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and drive process optimization. Capable of coordinating with internal teams and external partners to resolve issues.

Qualifications:

• Rich experience in recruitment, especially in talent acquisition for the pharmaceutical or biotech industry in the UK.
• Experience in managing HR site operations across multiple regions or teams.
• Chartered CIPD status or equivalent.
• Working experience with Chinese company or proficiency in Mandarin is preferred.