HR Generalist in Luton

Human Resources Generalist - 6 Month FTC

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centers, 21 global offices and 7 manufacturing sites with 3,000 brilliant minds contributing for over 40 years at the frontline, enabling us to deliver solutions that protect society from threats and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.

The HR Generalist is responsible for supporting and coordinating a wide variety of site HR activities, providing effective HR guidance across resourcing, performance management, employee relations, onboarding, policy and procedure interpretation, organisational design and recognition. The role acts as a key local HR contact, operating at a Senior Advisor/Junior HR Business Partner level, ensuring consistent, compliant and people‑centred support across the UK site(s) in addition to small employee populations in Ireland and Israel. The HR Generalist will also liaise closely with colleagues in the Group People Operations function and collaborate with peers across other global sites. This is a 6 month FTC; we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentoring, support and guidance to the HR Generalist and HR Coordinator.
• Provide on‑ground support for employment issues throughout the employee lifecycle and ensure consistent implementation of HR policies and practices.
• Manage and consult on employee and labour relations, supporting investigations, hearings and case documentation.
• Conduct training and development programmes; provide coaching to managers on compensation, resourcing and talent assessment processes.
• Develop and implement relevant HR processes in line with corporate policies and current legislation.
• Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to support continuous improvement in departmental efficiency and service delivery.
• Lead and support HR projects on an ad‑hoc basis (e.g., annual performance reviews, engagement surveys, culture and wellbeing initiatives).
• Liaise with People Operations colleagues to ensure HR activities are completed and HR master data integrity is maintained.
• Ensure all working policies are in place, up to date and reviewed annually or as required by legislative changes.
• Ensure HR compliance with Smiths quality standards and adherence to division and group policies, procedures and code of ethics.
• Accountable for HR audit compliance, reporting requirements and follow‑up actions.
• Coach managers and lead the delivery of local learning and development initiatives.
• Coordinate the induction and onboarding of new employees and contractors.
• Support HRBPs with local talent activities and talent management processes.
• Work with HRBPs and Reward colleagues to address local compensation and benefits queries.
• Engage proactively with the employee forum to support employee voice and collaboration.
• Support the Lead HRBP with Early in Career activities and programmes.
• Support recruitment activities including job description development, interview support (where necessary) and ensuring a consistent candidate experience.
• Produce HR reports and metrics to support data‑driven decision making and identification of trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a recognised HR qualification/certification (CIPD desirable).
• Broad HR experience, ideally inclusive of a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within a matrix organisation is beneficial.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and HR management systems.
• Proven experience in process ownership and continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building capabilities.
• Ability to multitask effectively and manage changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with ability to work within agreed timeframes and deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and ability to provide pragmatic, risk‑aware advice.
• Ability to work autonomously while knowing when to escalate issues appropriately.
• Comfortable working with HR data and reporting to support decision making.

Additional Information

Diversity & Inclusion: We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support and embrace diversity.