HR Manager (New Joint Venture) (m/f/ ) in Skelmersdale

3M announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Bain Capital to form a new Joint Venture that will combine Scott Safety and Madison Fire and Rescue. 3M's deep expertise and track record in the safety industry, combined with Bain Capital's capability to integrate businesses and accelerate growth, makes this an ideal partnership. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. The successful candidate may be employed by 3M prior to closing and the position is expected to transition to the Joint Venture following completion of the transaction. Role scope and timing are subject to business needs and the successful transaction close.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role

As an HR Manager at our Skelmersdale manufacturing site, you will play a key role in driving a positive employee experience in a unionized environment. You will operate with a high degree of independence while partnering closely with leadership and a broader, globally distributed HR team.

• Lead day-to-day HR operations and employee relations, serving as a trusted advisor on investigations, absence, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Partner with plant leadership and union representatives to maintain strong industrial relations and support business objectives.
• Coach and guide managers to build capability and confidence in handling people-related issues.
• Exercise sound judgment in assessing risk, resolving issues, and determining when to elevate or engage external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law, policies, and collective agreements, driving continuous improvement in HR practices.
• Support organizational changes, including restructuring, shift changes, and redundancy processes.
• Oversee end-to-end recruitment for hourly and salaried roles, aligned to production and business needs.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning and staffing forecasts based on operational demand.
• Support compensation processes, including union negotiations, merit planning, and market adjustments to remain competitive.
• Collaborate with payroll and external vendors to ensure consistent and compliant HR service delivery.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, we are looking for candidates who meet the following minimum requirements:

• CIPD qualified.
• Proven HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations, ideally within a manufacturing or logistics environment.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage sensitive matters with discretion.
• Strong problem solving, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to influence leaders and balance employee needs with business priorities.

Additional knowledge / nice to have skills / preferred qualifications

• Experience working within a multinational, matrixed organisation.
• Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Proven ability to navigate change in complex and evolving environments.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages effectively to diverse audiences.

Work Location

The position is located on-site at Skelmersdale. Travel expectation may include up to 5%. Working pattern full time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

3M is an equal opportunity employer. 3M will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race/ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity-related matters, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable local law.