At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and navigate employee relations in a dynamic, multi-site environment.
- Company: Join a large, operationally focused organisation with a collaborative HR team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a genuine leadership role with exposure to complex HR challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce transformation and employee engagement across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with strong industrial relations and blue-collar expertise.
Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Surrey | Hybrid Working, 2 days per week on site | up to £75,000 + Benefits
We are supporting a large, multi-site organisation in the search for an experienced HR Manager to join on a fixed-term basis.
Operating within a complex, unionised environment, this role will provide both strategic and operational HR leadership across a geographically dispersed workforce. With responsibility for supporting multiple sites across the UK, you will partner closely with senior operational leaders, helping to navigate employee relations challenges, organisational change and workforce planning within a predominantly blue-collar setting.
This is an excellent opportunity for a credible HR professional who is comfortable working across multiple locations, building strong relationships with operational stakeholders and trade union representatives, and providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Business Partnering
- Partner with operational and functional leaders to deliver people plans aligned to business objectives.
- Provide expert advice on workforce challenges, organisational effectiveness and people-related risk.
- Support workforce planning, capability building and succession initiatives.
- Use data and insight to support decision-making and drive business performance.
Employee Relations & Industrial Relations
- Lead on complex employee relations matters across multiple sites.
- Develop and maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions and employee representatives.
- Support collective consultation processes, negotiations and wider industrial relations activity.
- Ensure employment law compliance and the consistent application of policies and procedures.
- Provide balanced, pragmatic advice that supports both business requirements and positive employee outcomes.
Change & Transformation
- Support and lead organisational change programmes, restructures and consultation exercises.
- Work closely with leaders to implement organisational design and workforce transformation initiatives.
- Coach and develop managers to strengthen leadership capability and employee engagement.
- Contribute to talent development and succession planning activities.
HR Leadership
- Act as a senior member of the HR team, providing guidance and support to colleagues.
- Lead HR projects that enhance organisational effectiveness and employee experience.
- Ensure continuity and stability throughout the duration of the contract.
You will be an experienced HR professional with a strong track record of operating within complex, unionised organisations.
You are likely to bring:
- Significant HR leadership experience within a blue-collar, operational environment.
- Experience working across multi-site operations with regular travel to locations across the UK.
- Strong industrial relations expertise, including union engagement, collective consultation and negotiation.
- A proven ability to manage complex employee relations issues with confidence and credibility.
- Experience supporting organisational change and transformation programmes.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively at senior level.
- A pragmatic, commercially focused approach and the ability to balance business and people priorities.
- CIPD qualification
What’s on Offer?
- A genuine HR leadership role within a large, operationally focused organisation.
- Exposure to a complex industrial relations agenda and a sizeable unionised workforce.
- The opportunity to influence business decisions and support senior stakeholders across multiple sites.
- A collaborative HR team and established people function.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Hybrid working with regular travel across the UK.
Interested? If you have experience leading HR within unionised, multi-site, blue-collar environments and enjoy partnering closely with operational leaders to deliver practical people solutions, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
Human Resources Manager in Guildford employer: HR Heads
At HR Heads, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of the United Kingdom. Our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and mentorship, ensuring that every employee can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing workforce governance and risk management, where your contributions will directly influence our organisational resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager in Guildford
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at HR Heads and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at HR Heads. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HR Heads
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at HR Heads, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that HR Heads uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at HR Heads.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at HR Heads.
