HR Officer (FTC 9-12 months)

About the Role: Are you passionate about Employee Relations? Do you have experience working within HR? Do you thrive working in a fast-paced growing operation? As an inclusive, forward-thinking business, we take pride in our approach to HR across Avara Foods and are looking for a highly competent and motivated HR Officer to join our Site Operations team, based at our advanced pack and primary processing site in Hereford on a fixed term contract basis (9-12 months).

Purpose of the role: As a HR Officer, you will serve as a business partner and be a key member of the Human Resources Team. You will develop an effective, engaging and proactive working partnership with first line managers and colleagues to ensure the provision of timely, professional and effective HR related advice within Company policy and legal requirements.

Operating Environment and working hours: Working hours are Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00 with some flexibility required. This is a predominately office-based role but there may be a requirement for you to enter the factory which is a refrigerated and noisy environment.

What will I be responsible for as HR Officer?

• Employee Relations: Be responsible for Employee Relations activities within dedicated areas. Give appropriate HR advice on key issues such as disciplinary, grievance and capability, in line with current employment law and Company policies/procedures. Support Managers in disciplinary, grievance and appeal hearings. This includes involvement in investigations, guiding and advising the Manager during the hearing. Taking notes and confirming the outcome of the hearing. Taking a proactive approach, lead regular meetings with key stakeholders to address any upcoming issues. Ensuring that Managers are aware of Company policies and procedures. Ensuring managers apply these policies and procedures fairly and consistently, in line with good practice and legislative requirements whilst meeting business needs. Make recommendations for improvements in process and practices.
• Absence Management: Ensure consistent and robust application of the attendance procedure in line with the Absence Policy. Leading the case review process, in conjunction with the Health & Wellness team, provide effective advice and guidance on all absence management cases. Liaise with the Health & Wellness team and specialists as required. Work with Managers to meet their KPI targets for reducing absence levels.
• Headcount/Recruitment: Work with relevant department managers to manage headcount requirements including actual vs planned heads and identify vacancies, and review skilled roles in line with succession plan. Work with Resourcing Team to ensure the recruitment of colleagues against headcount requirements in a timely manner. Assist with the recruitment of skilled and Managerial roles, alongside the Resourcing team.
• Communication / Engagement: Produce and manage KPI information and report at relevant meetings. Act as point of contact for colleague queries/issues, where applicable refer colleague to relevant process to be followed. Support the Avara in the Community initiative through the facilitation of activities via the Community group, including engagement with local schools.

What are we looking for as a HR Officer?

• Essential: Demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of employment law. CIPD qualified or part qualified at Level 5. Experience of working within a manufacturing or fast-paced organisation in a HR role.
• Desirable: Graduate calibre, ideally in business or HR related discipline.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels and work effectively within a team, see the potential in others and understand the impact of their actions on colleagues.
• A relentless drive to improve performance and deliver outstanding results through new, innovative and more effective ways of working.
• Up to date experience and confident in usage of Microsoft Office and HR packages.
• Methodical with an attention to detail whilst working at pace.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Ability to work under own initiative.
• Ability to handle conflict/confrontation effectively.
• Time Management with an ability to identify and focus on priorities in a varied role.

What’s in it for you? We offer comprehensive training as well as development and career progression opportunities. As HR Officer, you can also look forward to benefits that amongst other things include the following: 31 Days Holiday, 6% Matched Pension, Private Medical Cover for Self, Life assurance, Access to salary sacrifice car scheme, Variety of Wellbeing and Employee perks such as unlimited remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, financial support.

How can I apply? We are looking for a candidate to start at the earliest possible opportunity. If you’re ready to work in a dynamic environment alongside talented people who take pride in delivering great results, apply today! We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.

A little about us: We are a leading supplier of chicken and turkey products into an impressive range of customers in the UK retail and food service sectors. We are a fully integrated business controlling the whole product supply chain, which includes feed mills, farms, hatcheries and factories with associated transport and logistics functions that employ more than 6000 people. The success of our business is based on providing a high quality, affordable product and delivering great service levels to our customers. This is achieved by investing in people, utilising the latest technology and being uncompromising in our commitment to high quality and food standards.