At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide hands-on HR advice and manage employee relations across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join Quaker Houghton, a global leader in industrial process fluids with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and two paid volunteering days each year.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business transformation and employee relations in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: HR experience or CIPD qualification preferred; flexibility to travel is essential.
- Other info: Access continuous learning opportunities and genuine career development within HR.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its colleagues and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.
As HR Advisor, you will be responsible for the effective management of operational employee relations matters, providing practical, solution‑focused HR advice while supporting TUPE activity, organizational change, and core people processes across the UK and Europe. Join the team and let’s do great things together!
What’s in it For You?
- 12‑month fixed‑term contract, with the possibility of extension
- Hybrid working arrangement with a base in Manchester or Coventry and regular travel between sites
- Competitive compensation package
- Car allowance
- Two paid volunteering days per year
- Genuine career development opportunities within HR and related areas
- Access to QH University, offering continuous learning and development for all levels
- Comprehensive wellbeing, mental health, women inclusion, and broader DEI programmes
- The opportunity to see your work make a real impact on the business—solving problems and creating value are part of our DNA
What will you do?
- Provide hands‑on HR advice and guidance to managers across the UK and Europe, with a primary focus on employee relations matters within the Commercial business
- Manage TUPE activities as required, including liaison with internal stakeholders and HR leadership
- Support site rationalisation and restructuring activity from an employee relations and change perspective
- Lead and resolve complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, and performance matters, conducting fair and objective investigations
- Support managers with performance management, including the development and monitoring of Performance Improvement Plans
- Apply effective change management practices to support business transformation and local organisational change
- Work closely with the wider HR team to ensure consistent application of HR policies, processes, and employment legislation
- Partner with Talent
- CIPD qualification or working toward one is an advantage
- Flexibility and willingness to travel across UK sites, working effectively in a multi‑site environment
- A pragmatic, resilient approach with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
About Us
We are the global leader in industrial process fluids and engineering present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world’s steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our chemists, engineers and industry experts partner with our customers to continually improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.
Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Do Great Things Together, Act with integrity. Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.
HR Advisor employer: Quaker Houghton
Contact Detail:
Quaker Houghton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Quaker Houghton on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in an HR Advisor.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding their core values. Quaker Houghton is all about safety, customer expectations, and diversity. We should think of examples from our past experiences that showcase how we embody these values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! In the interview, be ready to discuss specific employee relations cases you've handled. We want to demonstrate our ability to manage complex situations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Quaker Houghton team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD status. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Quaker Houghton!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about HR and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture. Let us know what makes you tick and why you want to join our team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex employee relations issues in the past. We love seeing practical, solution-focused approaches, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quaker Houghton
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Quaker Houghton's values and mission. Understand their role in the manufacturing industry and how they support employee relations. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with their needs.
✨Showcase Your HR Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled employee relations issues in the past. Highlight your experience with TUPE activities and change management, as these are key aspects of the HR Advisor role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's culture and how they approach employee development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role involves travel and working across multiple sites, be prepared to discuss your adaptability. Share experiences where you've successfully managed competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.