HR Advisor in Manchester

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.

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 & Organisational Capability teams to support engagement, retention, and local people initiatives
• Lead and support annual people processes, including performance cycles, talent reviews, succession planning, and compensation planning
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on recruitment activities for supported sites
• Contribute to HR‑led projects and initiatives related to organisational effectiveness, culture, or employee experience
• Provide confidential coaching and guidance to employees and managers, handling sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion

What do we look for?

• Proven experience in an HR Advisor or similar role with a strong focus on operational employee relations
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex ER cases confidently, fairly, and in line with UK employment legislation
• Hands‑on experience supporting TUPE processes and organisational change activity
• Practical understanding of change management principles and how they apply in day‑to‑day people situations
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to advise and challenge managers constructively
• Relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in HR, Business, or a related field is desirable; 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.