At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR processes and enhance employee experience in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Family-owned global company producing critical valves for oil, gas, and hydrogen industries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a culture that values agility, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee engagement and talent development in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience, relevant degree or CIPD Level 5, and recruitment skills.
We’re looking for an HR Manager with experience within the engineering or manufacturing sector to provide practical, day-to-day support to managers and employees across our UK operations, helping to resolve people matters, keep HR processes running smoothly and improve the employee experience. The role supports over 300 employees, primarily based in Knutsford, with a small number in Dundee. It offers a broad mix of hands-on generalist work and opportunities to contribute to wider HR projects.
About Us
We are a family-owned global company that produces ultra-critical valves for the world’s oil, gas and hydrogen industries, where exceptional quality and on-time delivery is critical. With operations spanning the UK, USA, Dubai, Malaysia and India, and a world-class Research & Development centre in Knutsford, we have ambitious plans to grow beyond our £100m turnover. Our business model is to sub-contract our components, then assemble at our facilities in Knutsford and Chennai. Our culture is agile, entrepreneurial and decisive. There are no layers of bureaucracy, endless committees or slow-moving approval processes. We value common sense, accountability and action.
The Role
- Act as a trusted HR professional, providing clear, practical advice across all generalist HR matters, and ensuring timely resolution of day-to-day people issues.
- Lead the full employee lifecycle for your assigned workforce, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, absence management, performance, and offboarding, escalating complex matters where necessary.
- Oversee the integrity and compliance of HR data, maintaining accurate employee records across HR systems in line with GDPR and internal standards.
- Monitor and analyse HR metrics to identify trends, provide insight, and inform continuous improvement across engagement, retention, and operational effectiveness.
- Maintain and evolve site-level competency and training matrices, ensuring role requirements are clearly defined, supported by appropriate training and aligned with compliance needs.
- Lead and coordinate the development and implementation of early talent programmes, including work experience, apprenticeships, placements, and internships, to strengthen future talent pipelines.
- Contribute to the creation and rollout of job architecture and competency frameworks, ensuring clear role definitions and progression pathways across functions and regions.
- Assist in the review, development, and consistent application of HR policies and procedures, delivering training and guidance to line managers as needed.
Who We Are Looking For:
You’ll have strong generalist HR experience and the confidence to give clear, considered advice on sensitive matters. You’ll be organised, comfortable managing competing priorities and attentive to detail, particularly when handling employee data. You’ll hold a relevant degree or a CIPD Level 5 qualification. Experience in manufacturing or engineering would be particularly useful, as would familiarity with HR systems, Excel, competency frameworks or early talent programmes with the passion for continuous improvement. Due to the vast growth of the business, a candidate with recruitment experience would be essential to support continuous recruitment drives.
Remuneration & Package
We offer a competitive salary depending on experience.
Apply
If you live within forty minutes of Knutsford, and have the relevant industry experience, skills, and gravitas to command this role, please send your CV.
Location: Oliver Valves, Parkgate, Knutsford, WA16 8DX
HR Manager in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves Ltd
Oliver Valves Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the energy sector. Located in Knutsford, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive incentive packages, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a global network of operations. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving sustainable growth in oil, gas, and hydrogen industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Knutsford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Oliver Valves Ltd!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Oliver Valves Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Oliver Valves Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Oliver Valves Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Oliver Valves Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Oliver Valves Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Ltd
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Oliver Valves Ltd.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Oliver Valves Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Oliver Valves Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
