HR Manager in Portsmouth

This is an opportunity to shape culture and leadership capabilities within a well-established manufacturing business undergoing a significant period of growth. Following substantial investment into both people and processes, this business has recently introduced a new Plant Leadership Team and is focused on strengthening leadership ability, enhancing employee engagement, and developing a high-performance culture across the site.

Key Benefits:

• £55,000 - £60,000 pa, Dependent on Experience
• Harrogate Based – Full-Time Onsite Role
• Company Pension Plan
• Private Medical Insurance
• Bonus Scheme
• Death in Service (4x Salary)

The Role

Supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation of approximately 90 employees, this HR Manager role offers the opportunity to influence change at every level of the organisation whilst acting as a trusted partner to senior leaders. This is a highly visible position, requiring a strong presence across the site and the ability to build effective relationships with both operational and leadership teams. You will play a key role in developing managers, supporting organisational change, and ensuring the business continues to create a positive and engaging working environment. This is a rare opportunity to join the business at a pivotal stage in its journey, with the autonomy and support to make a genuine impact on culture, leadership, and long-term organisational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partnering with the Plant Leadership Team to deliver people-focused business objectives.
• Work in partnership with the wider group, aligning HR policies and procedures, whilst ensuring best practice for site.
• Coach, mentor and develop managers to improve leadership capability across the organisation.
• Support organisational change initiatives and ensure effective communication throughout periods of transformation.
• Work closely with operational leaders to identify workforce challenges and implement practical solutions.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives to strengthen workplace culture and employee experience.
• Providing guidance on employee relations matters, employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Oversee the onboarding process for all new employees.
• Develop and deliver learning and development initiatives aligned to business needs.
• Support succession planning, recruitment, and talent development activities.
• Oversee the monthly payroll and benefits process.
• Work alongside the senior team to ensure the resource plan, and management of resource budget and overtime.
• Manage two direct reports within the administration and payroll functions.
• Review and enhance HR policies, procedures and processes to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Analyse workforce trends and provide insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage employee records accurately, with inhouse IT systems, ensuring regulatory compliance.

The Candidate

We’re keen to speak with HR professionals that can demonstrate a history of influencing, challenging, and developing leaders within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is a 24/7 production facility with around 90 staff members, so the ability to manage a multi-faceted workforce is crucial. The successful candidate will be:

• CIPD Qualified (Level 5 minimum, Level 7 preferred)
• A strategic thinker, able to understand wider business implications
• Experienced in a standalone or senior HR leadership role
• Experienced within an operational environment, ideally manufacturing, engineering, FMCG or similar
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced, 24/7 production environment
• A strong people manager who is experienced in coaching and developing leadership teams.

This is a business that recognises the importance of its people strategy and leadership capability. You’ll join at a pivotal point in their journey and will be given the support, from both site and group level to shape culture, develop teams, and contribute directly to the continued success of this business. If you feel you are suitable, please apply today by submitting your CV. Alternatively, to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Jonny McPartland directly.

Thank you for your interest. We carefully review every CV and will contact shortlisted applicants by phone or email. If you don’t hear from us within 5 working days, unfortunately your application hasn’t been successful on this occasion.