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- Tasks: Lead HR operations and drive improvements in a dynamic defence manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Rheinmetall AG, a global leader in defence systems with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while supporting a vital industry.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent and significant HR experience in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Rheinmetall AG, one of the World's leading producers of defence systems and equipment for ground, air and naval forces, is seeking a hands-on Head of HR role to work into the UK HR Director, to lead and deliver effective day-to-day HR operations within a defence manufacturing environment. This role is a blend of execution-focused and hands-on, alongside strategic and a drive for business improvement.
The role will ensure that the HR Operational team and processes run efficiently, that employees are well-supported through business practices, processes and initiatives, and that the business remains compliant with all employment regulations.
Position Responsibilities:- Lead, develop, and manage the HR Operational Team, setting clear priorities and ensuring high-quality service delivery across all HR activities.
- Drive consistency, accuracy, and continuous improvement in HR operations.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and periodic review of HR policies to ensure they remain legally compliant, up-to-date, and aligned with best practice.
- Lead on complex employee relations cases within a unionised manufacturing environment.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with Trade Union representatives, ensuring open communication and constructive dialogue.
- Support with negotiations, consultations, and collective agreements in line with company policy and legal requirements.
- Support managers and HR Business Partners in managing performance issues and implementing improvement plans.
- Oversee salary benchmarking activities and conduct workforce analysis to support equitable, competitive, and evidence-based reward decisions.
- Drive effective and data-driven workforce and headcount planning.
- Utilise HR metrics, management information, and data analysis to inform decision-making, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
- Ensure HR systems, data and reporting processes are robust, accurate and support strategic analysis and planning.
- Continuously assess market trends, look at recruitment and retention trends and ensure that the benefits and reward strategies are implemented across the business.
- Ensure HR Business Partners are aligned with business priorities and objectives.
- Support HR initiatives such as wellbeing, EDI and STEM.
- Minimum CIPD Level 5 or equivalent.
- Significant HR Experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong Operational HR background with a hands-on approach.
- In-depth knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices.
- Experience in managing multi-site, blue collar workforce.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high demand environment.
- Strong, pragmatic and influential leadership.
Head of HR employer: Rheinmetall AG
Contact Detail:
Rheinmetall AG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those in manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their HR practices and be ready to discuss how you can improve them. Show us you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Rheinmetall AG.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of HR role. Highlight your operational HR experience and any specific achievements in a manufacturing environment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your hands-on approach and how you’ve driven improvements in HR operations before. Let us know what excites you about working with us!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop a team effectively. Share examples of how you've managed teams and built relationships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rheinmetall AG
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices. Given the role's focus on compliance and operational efficiency, being able to discuss relevant laws and how they apply in a manufacturing context will show that you're well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led HR teams or managed complex employee relations cases. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've driven improvements in HR operations. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and develop the HR Operational Team effectively.
✨Understand the Business Environment
Familiarise yourself with the defence manufacturing sector and the specific challenges it faces. Being able to discuss market trends, recruitment strategies, and workforce planning will show that you understand the unique environment Rheinmetall operates in.
✨Build Rapport with Trade Unions
Since the role involves working closely with Trade Union representatives, think about how you can demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Prepare to discuss your experience in negotiations and how you've maintained constructive dialogue in previous roles.