At a Glance
- Tasks: Support 270 employees with recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturer of high-pressure valves with award-winning growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health cash plan, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in HR.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or relevant degree with 3+ years in HR.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an HR Advisor to provide practical, day-to-day support to managers and employees across our UK operations. You’ll work closely with the HR Manager, 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
Working closely with the HR Manager you will support the HR function within the following areas:
- Act as a trusted HR advisor, 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 off‑boarding, 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.
- Partner with payroll to ensure accurate processing of starters, leavers, and pay‑related changes for weekly and monthly paid staff.
- 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.
- Play an active role in group‑wide HR initiatives and digitalisation projects, supporting data‑driven decision‑making and driving more efficient ways of working.
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.
Location
Oliver Valves, Parkgate, Knutsford, WA16 8DX
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HR Advisor in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves
As a Quality Certification Technician at our valve manufacturing facility, you will be part of a dynamic team that values precision and collaboration. We offer competitive salaries, a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth, and opportunities to enhance your skills in a thriving industry. Join us in a location known for its innovation and commitment to quality, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR practices and frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as competency frameworks and job architecture. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Oliver Valve companies on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insider insights about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with early talent initiatives, such as apprenticeships and internships. Highlight any relevant projects or successes you've had in these areas, as they are specifically mentioned as desirable in the job profile.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used HR data to drive improvements in previous roles. Be prepared with examples that illustrate your ability to spot trends and contribute to wider people initiatives.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR, particularly in recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the HR Advisor role and how your skills align with the company's needs. Mention your CIPD Level 5 qualification and any experience in manufacturing or engineering environments.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Emphasise your strong digital skills, particularly with Office 365 and HR systems. Provide examples of how you've used analytical skills to interpret HR data and contribute to improvements in previous roles.
Showcase Your Proactive Mindset:In your application, illustrate your proactive, solutions-focused approach. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities and built trust with managers and employees in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Oliver Valve thoroughly. Understand their products, values, and recent achievements like the Kings Award for Industry. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in HR, particularly in areas like recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities, especially in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
✨Demonstrate Strong Analytical Skills
Since the role requires solid analytical skills, be ready to talk about how you've used data to inform HR decisions in the past. Prepare to discuss any trends you've spotted and how you've contributed to improvements based on your findings.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the role and the company culture. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also in how you can fit into their team and contribute to their objectives.
