At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, drive engagement, and support transformation projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Well-established organisation known for its strong culture and impactful HR leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business outcomes while developing your HR leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified HR professional with experience in unionised manufacturing settings.
- Other info: High-impact role with opportunities for meaningful change and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
12-Month Fixed Term Contract - to start February 2026
North Wales / Chester area
£65,000 - £70,000 per annum
Are you an experienced HR leader who thrives in fast‐paced manufacturing environments and enjoys making a visible impact? We have been retained by a well‐established, highly regarded organisation to appoint an HR Manager for a 12‐month fixed‐term assignment starting in February 2026. This is a site‐based leadership role where you'll sit at the heart of the operation, shaping the people agenda, strengthening organisational capability and supporting major business initiatives. You'll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, balancing strategic thinking with hands‐on delivery.
The opportunity
As the lead HR professional on site, you'll take ownership of all people‐related activity, from employee engagement and talent planning to labour relations and organisational effectiveness. You'll play a key role in supporting transformation projects while ensuring the workforce remains engaged, compliant and future‐ready.
- Driving engagement & culture: Create an environment where people feel valued, motivated and equipped to perform at their best.
- Talent & succession planning: Lead workforce planning and succession strategies to ensure the right skills and capability are in place for the future.
- Union & employee relations: Manage relationships with trade unions and employee representatives, supporting negotiations and maintaining positive, constructive dialogue.
- Change & project leadership: Provide HR leadership on key operational and supply chain projects, adapting people strategies to support business change.
- Leadership development: Coach and support senior leaders and people managers, building capability and strengthening leadership effectiveness across the site.
- Organisational effectiveness: Lead organisational health reviews, translate insight into action and oversee delivery of improvement plans aligned with internal frameworks.
What we're looking for
- Qualified HR professional with proven experience at HR Manager/Head of HR level
- Background in a unionised manufacturing or industrial environment
- Confident communicator able to influence and challenge at all levels
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a commercially focused mindset
Why apply?
This is a high‐impact interim opportunity offering exposure to a complex, operational environment where HR genuinely influences business outcomes. Ideal for an HR leader who enjoys partnering closely with senior stakeholders and delivering meaningful change.
Salary range of £65,000 - £70,000 plus bonus and a competitive benefits offering.
Interested? Apply to Leanne Boddy at Macmillan Davies via the link below.
HR Manager in London employer: Macmillan Davies
Contact Detail:
Macmillan Davies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those 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 the company culture and recent projects. Tailor your examples to show how you can drive engagement and support transformation initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've coached senior leaders and managed employee relations in past roles—this is key for an HR Manager!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the HR Manager role. Highlight your background in unionised environments and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about HR and how your experience aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your ability to drive engagement and culture, as that's key for this role.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact. Whether it's improving employee engagement or leading successful change initiatives, we want to see how you've made a difference in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Davies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of HR management, especially in a manufacturing context. Brush up on your knowledge of employee engagement strategies, talent planning, and union relations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve made a significant impact in HR. Whether it’s improving employee engagement or leading successful change initiatives, having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment.
✨Engage with the Culture
Research the company’s culture and values before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in enhancing their workplace culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the challenges the company faces. Inquire about their current HR initiatives or how they measure organisational effectiveness. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as a strategic thinker who is ready to contribute.