At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage employee relations and uphold high people standards in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Prima, a leading UK cheese supplier with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, life insurance, and employee perks.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace culture and support colleagues in their career journeys.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in HR, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Seaham (Prima North)
Full Time – Onsite
- Company contribution pension scheme
- Life Insurance
- Holiday Club – discounted breaks
- Employee benefits platform
- Employee Assistance Programme & 24/7 GP access
About Prima
Prima is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of cheese to the foodservice and food manufacturing sectors. With nearly 30 years of heritage, we export to over 55 countries and employ colleagues representing more than 20 nationalities across two sites. Prima North in Seaham is our core production facility and operational heartbeat. Prima South in Islington, London drives our commercial growth and brand presence.
As we continue to grow, strong and consistent people standards are essential to protecting performance, culture, and compliance across the business.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a confident, commercially aware People & Culture Officer who can operate with credibility in a demanding operational environment, take ownership of complex employee relations matters and uphold high people standards across the business. This is a visible, hands-on role within a collaborative and supportive People & Culture team. Flexibility is required for occasional early starts to support operational needs and occasional travel to Prima South (London).
Key Responsibilities
- Probation, performance, and capability processes end-to-end
- Manage absence cases proactively, including welfare reviews and structured action plans
- Advise and coach managers on investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Attend and minute formal hearings, ensuring procedural compliance and robust documentation
- Provide commercially grounded advice aligned to company policy and UK employment law and assist in development policies for Prima.
- Produce accurate people data reports to support informed decision-making
- Deliver end-to-end support across recruitment, onboarding and early careers initiatives
- Maintain high standards of People & Culture administration, reporting, and record-keeping
- Support wider People & Culture projects and business initiatives as required
What We’re Looking For
- Over 3 years’ experience in a People/HR Officer role
- Experience leading disciplinary, grievance, and capability investigations end-to-end
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law
- Experience facilitating workplace mediation and conflict resolution - desirable
- High standards of documentation and case management
- Comfortable operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- You are calm under pressure, solutions-focused and confident having difficult conversations when required.
- You understand that strong people management protects both culture and performance, and you operate with discretion and professionalism at all times.
Why Join Prima?
We believe that our people are our most valuable ingredient. We foster an environment of mutual respect, offer ongoing support, and encourage career development through training and internal progression. At Prima, your voice matters, your ideas are welcome, and your ambition is celebrated.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are proud of our inclusive and diverse workforce, people are the key to our success, we are committed to providing employees with the necessary support to excel during their career with Prima.
To apply for this role please fill out the application form below.
To find out more about the role please direct any queries to recruitment@primacheese.com
People and Culture Officer - Onsite Manufacturing in Seaham employer: Prima Cheese
At Prima, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values every employee's contributions. Located in Seaham, our core production facility provides a dynamic environment where you can thrive, with opportunities for career development, a comprehensive benefits package including a pension scheme and life insurance, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a team that celebrates your ambition and fosters your growth in the thriving food manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Culture Officer - Onsite Manufacturing in Seaham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Prima through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Prima's culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their People & Culture team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around conflict resolution and employee relations. We want to see your calm and solutions-focused approach in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace People and Culture Officer - Onsite Manufacturing in Seaham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People and Culture Officer role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and UK employment law, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; give us examples of how you’ve handled complex employee matters or led investigations. We love seeing real-life scenarios that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
Be Professional Yet Personable:While we appreciate professionalism, we also value a friendly approach. Use a tone that reflects your personality but remains respectful. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can connect with our team and uphold our culture!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prima Cheese
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and the specific responsibilities of a People and Culture Officer. Familiarise yourself with Prima's values and culture, as this will help you demonstrate how you can contribute to their environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in handling disciplinary and grievance procedures. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex employee relations matters and what outcomes you achieved.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
During the interview, emphasise your ability to remain calm under pressure and your approach to conflict resolution. Share specific instances where you successfully mediated workplace issues or improved team dynamics.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if Prima is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to employee development and how they support diversity and inclusion.
