At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR support in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, managing employee relations and data analytics.
- Company: Join PPE, a trusted manufacturer of high-performance sealing components since 1975.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, generous leave, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression into an HR Business Partner role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations while developing your HR career in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and data analysis skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 € per year.
Founded in 1975, with its head office in Blackburn, England, PPE operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US, plus sales offices and Channel Partner networks across the US, Europe and Asia. PPE manufactures high-performance O-rings and sealing components using advanced elastomer materials and precision designs that extend equipment life. Seals are critical to the function of industrial systems, and PPE’s solutions are trusted in the most demanding environments. Today, PPE offers over 200 elastomer grades used globally across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, food and pharma manufacturing, marine and power generation, aerospace, and semiconductors. The company’s success is built on the continual development of new elastomer materials combined with exceptional levels of customer service and technical support.
Salary: £45,000-50,000
Bonus: up to 15% annual salary
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
Hours of work: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours, some flexibility required to support night shift as and when required.
Flexi time: core hours 09:30 to 14:30, with the ability to accrue an additional day leave per quarter
Location: Blackburn, North West England
Reporting to: HR Business Partner
Role Purpose
The Senior HR Advisor (SHRA) will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, pragmatic HR support within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. With strong expertise in employee relations and a growing capability in HR data analytics, this role supports leaders to make informed, fair, and commercially sound people decisions. By strategically leveraging core corporate HR resources talent, capability, culture, and data the SHRA will directly impact growth, and operational scalability. This position is ideal for an experienced HR professional who thrives in operational HR while actively developing the skills and exposure required to progress into an HR Business Partner role in the future.
Key Responsibilities
- Employee Relations
- Lead and manage a wide range of employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, performance management and complex investigations
- Provide confident, balanced and legally compliant advice to line managers on UK employment law and internal policies
- Coach and upskill managers to build capability and confidence in managing people issues effectively
- Support change initiatives such as restructures, organisational change and consultations within a manufacturing setting
- Build trusted relationships with employees, managers and union or employee representatives (where applicable)
- HR Data & Analytics
- Analyse HR data (e.g. absence, turnover, ER trends, engagement metrics) to identify risks, trends and improvement opportunities
- Produce insightful reports and dashboards to inform leadership decision-making
- Use data to support workforce planning, improve ER outcomes and enhance employee engagement
- Ensure data accuracy and compliance with GDPR and internal data governance standards
- Operational HR & Advisory Support
- Act as a senior point of contact for HR queries across the site(s)
- Support the delivery of HR cycles such as performance reviews, engagement surveys and policy updates
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes, policies and ways of working
- Collaborate closely with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Learning & Development and Recruitment teams
- Values & Culture
- Act as a role model for the company’s core values of Trust, Team and Excellence
- Build credibility through integrity, consistency and professionalism
- Foster inclusive, collaborative working relationships across the business
- Support initiatives that promote a strong, positive and high-performing culture
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential:
- Proven experience in a Senior HR Advisor or equivalent role, ideally within manufacturing or a similar operational environment
- Strong, hands-on experience managing complex employee relations cases independently
- Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience using HR data and metrics to provide insight and influence outcomes
- Confident communicator with the ability to challenge constructively and build trust
- CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent experience)
Desirable:
- CIPD Level 7 (or working towards)
- Experience supporting organisational change or transformation
- Experience of working within a US Corporation
Personal Attributes
- Pragmatic, resilient and calm under pressure
- Commercially minded with a problem-solving approach
- Curious and eager to develop business partnering capability
- Values-driven with a genuine passion for people and performance
Job Family: Human Resources
Business Unit: PPE
Senior HR Advisor in Blackburn employer: IDEX Corporation
PPE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Blackburn that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong emphasis on employee relations and data-driven decision-making, the Senior HR Advisor role provides opportunities to influence organisational culture while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave policy and flexible working hours. Join a company that values trust, teamwork, and excellence, and be part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work in manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching PPE and its values. Understand their focus on trust, team, and excellence, and think of examples from your experience that align with these principles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your data skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used HR analytics in past roles to drive decisions. This is key for the Senior HR Advisor role, so make it a highlight in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and HR data analytics, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at PPE. Mention your passion for HR and how you can contribute to our values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since we value HR data analytics, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with analysing HR metrics. Share how you've used data to influence decisions or improve processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IDEX Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Given the role's focus on employee relations, being able to discuss specific cases or scenarios you've handled will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Data is Key
Since the role involves HR data analytics, be prepared to talk about how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of reports or dashboards you've created that influenced decision-making, and be ready to discuss trends you've identified.
✨Show Your People Skills
This position requires building trusted relationships, so think of examples where you've successfully coached managers or resolved conflicts. Highlight your communication style and how you foster collaboration within teams.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
PPE values Trust, Team, and Excellence, so be sure to convey how your personal values align with theirs. Share experiences that demonstrate your commitment to a positive workplace culture and how you've contributed to high-performing teams.
