At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, support site leadership, and drive organisational change.
- Company: Join Huntsman, a key player in manufacturing with growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance and leadership capability.
- Qualifications: Strong HR background, ideally with CIPD qualification and manufacturing experience.
The predicted salary is between 46148 - 52809 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced HR Manager to join our Duxford site in the UK, a key manufacturing location with strong growth potential and strategic importance for Huntsman. This role plays a central part in supporting business performance, improving organisational effectiveness and strengthening leadership capability across the site. You will be part of the Site Leadership Team and work closely with the Team to drive change, improve collaboration and help the site deliver on its growth ambitions.
Role Responsibilities
- Act as the senior HR Partner to the Duxford Site Leadership Team, providing strategic HR leadership and business partnering that enables organisational effectiveness.
- Translate business priorities into clear people initiatives, including workforce planning, organisation design and capability development.
- Drive site transformation by strengthening leadership capability, leading the site performance and development cycle, and ensuring high‑quality calibration.
- Coach, support and challenge leaders at all levels to improve performance, accountability and decision‑making.
- Lead workforce planning and support the recruitment, retention and development of talent to meet current and future needs.
- Manage complex employee relations matters, including organisational change, complex case management and other people risks.
- Ensure effective delivery of core HR processes across the employee lifecycle, with a strong focus on onboarding, payroll interfaces, compensation activity, benefits, mobility, retirement, redundancy and off‑boarding.
- Review and improve HR policies and processes to align with business needs and legal requirements.
- Work closely with HR Shared Services and the wider European HR team to ensure a consistent and efficient HR operating model.
- Establish and monitor meaningful HR performance measures, using HR data and insights to support decision‑making, identify risks and drive continuous improvement.
- Maintain robust and accurate HR records, systems and documentation, ensuring full compliance with data privacy requirements, internal controls and audit expectations.
Experience and Competencies
- Strong academic background in HR or a related field, ideally complemented by a CIPD qualification (or working towards it).
- Experience in a manufacturing environment with a good understanding of site‑based operations.
- Strong HR generalist expertise, with up‑to‑date employment law knowledge and an understanding of HR governance.
- Proven ability to diagnose organisational issues, translate business priorities into practical HR initiatives, and drive organisational change.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge senior leaders constructively.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt style to different audiences across all levels of the organisation.
- High level of resilience and confidence when dealing with challenging situations in a demanding environment.
- Ability to balance short‑term operational priorities with longer‑term transformation and capability building.
- High professionalism and ability to make sound judgements while managing a broad and dynamic workload.
- Confident use of Microsoft Office and digital tools to support analysis, reporting and efficient delivery.
HR Manager in Duxford employer: Huntsman
Huntsman is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Duxford site, where you can play a pivotal role in driving organisational effectiveness and supporting business growth. We foster a collaborative culture that prioritises employee development, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and transformation within the manufacturing sector. With a strong focus on strategic HR leadership and a commitment to innovation, we ensure our employees are equipped to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Duxford
✨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 Huntsman!
✨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 Huntsman.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Duxford
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 Huntsman. 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 Huntsman 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 Huntsman. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Huntsman'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 Huntsman
✨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 Huntsman.
✨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 Huntsman 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 Huntsman and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
