At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support employees in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established engineering and manufacturing organisation with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to continuous improvement projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying autonomy and building relationships.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years HR experience with strong employee relations knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
A well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking a hands-on HR professional to become the lead HR presence at its Littlehampton site. Following a sustained period of growth and investment, the business is looking for an experienced HR Advisor-level professional who can provide practical, operational HR support while helping introduce greater structure, consistency and continuous improvement across the site.
Reporting directly to the HR Manager and working within a small but highly visible HR team, this is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys autonomy, building relationships with managers and making a genuine impact within a manufacturing environment. This role would suit an HR Advisor, HR Officer or experienced HR Coordinator seeking a broader position with increased ownership, responsibility and influence.
The Role
This is far more than a traditional HR Advisor position. You will act as the primary HR contact for the Littlehampton site, partnering closely with operational and production leaders while supporting a diverse employee population. You'll have the opportunity to influence processes, improve systems and establish yourself as a trusted advisor across the business. As part of a small HR function, you'll gain exposure to the full employee lifecycle and play a key role in both day-to-day operations and longer-term HR initiatives. If you enjoy solving problems, driving improvements and working within a fast-paced environment, this role offers genuine career development and visibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Employee Relations & HR Support
- Act as the first point of contact for HR matters on-site
- Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees
- Manage employee relations cases
- Support disciplinary and capability processes
- Conduct absence reviews and attendance management activities
- Escalate complex cases to the HR Manager where appropriate
- Operational HR
- Support the management of Time & Attendance processes
- Liaise with payroll and ensure accurate payroll inputs are submitted
- Monitor HR metrics and KPI reporting
- Maintain accurate HR records and employee data
- Continuous Improvement
- Develop and improve HR processes and procedures
- Introduce greater structure around absence management and attendance monitoring
- Support the transition away from heavily manual processes
- Drive consistency and best practice across the site
- HR Projects
- Support employee wellbeing initiatives
- Assist with Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) activities
- Contribute to employee benefits projects
- Support employee engagement activities
- Participate in sustainability and community initiatives
- Assist with wider HR projects across the business
About You
Essential Experience
- Previous experience within a generalist HR role
- Strong employee relations knowledge
- Experience managing disciplinary, grievance and absence cases
- Experience supporting operational managers
- Understanding of Time & Attendance systems and payroll inputs
- Ability to work confidently in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Desirable Experience
- Manufacturing, engineering or industrial sector experience
- Experience working within a hands-on operational environment
- Strong analytical and process improvement mindset
- CIPD qualification or currently working towards CIPD
Ideal Profile
- Progressed through roles such as HR Coordinator, HR Officer or HR Advisor
- Approximately 3-5+ years' HR experience
- Looking for a role with greater autonomy and ownership
- Comfortable balancing operational HR activity with continuous improvement projects
Benefits
- Salary of £32,000 - £36,000
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Early finish every Friday
- Flexible working hours with a core-hours approach
- Annual salary review process
- Performance and development framework
- Potential CIPD support
- Exposure across all areas of HR
- Long-term career development opportunities
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an ongoing basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.
HR Business (HR Advisor Level) in Littlehampton employer: Ford
Join a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation in Littlehampton, where you will play a pivotal role as the lead HR presence on-site. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working hours, and a commitment to continuous improvement, this company fosters a collaborative work culture that empowers HR professionals to make a meaningful impact. Enjoy competitive benefits, including an early finish every Friday and opportunities for career advancement within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business (HR Advisor Level) in Littlehampton
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Ford!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Ford.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business (HR Advisor Level) in Littlehampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Ford. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Ford and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Ford. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ford's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Ford.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Ford will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Ford and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
