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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations in managing employee absence and enhancing workplace wellbeing.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing firm committed to employee growth and support.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and employee support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employee wellbeing while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or absence management, strong communication, and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 60000 £ per year.
Duration: 12 Month Contract
Location: Castle Bromwich
£27.21 per hour Inside IR35 - Umbrella Rate
*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on‑going and valid eligibility to work full time in the UK and travel within the EU.*
The Opportunity
Our Client is seeking an individual who can deliver exceptional, professional HR support to the manufacturing facilities across the West Midlands, focusing on all aspects of Absence Management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate their ability to embody the Clients' Creators Code values, constantly displaying Customer Love, Unity, Integrity, Growth and Impact in all aspects of their work. As training will be provided, the Client are seeking someone who is eager to learn and develop within the field of Employee Relations.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities could include:
- Lead the coordination and delivery of Employee Relations Consultant support, with a primary focus on effectively resolving manufacturing related absence cases to improve attendance and contribute to key operational performance outcomes.
- Provide timely and effective support for both short and long term absence matters and restricted worker cases, including the management of complex cases.
- Support line managers in conducting absence related disciplinary investigations and hearings, up to and including dismissal and appeal, ensuring processes are followed consistently and professionally.
- Identify cases that would benefit from early intervention and quickly implement tailored support measures to reduce absence duration and improve employee outcomes.
- Develop and deliver absence management training to all stakeholders across the manufacturing environment, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to manage attendance effectively.
- Collaborate closely with Employee Relations Consultants across manufacturing sites to review, refine and align absence management policies, standardise best‑practice processes and contribute to the successful delivery of key project initiatives.
- Work in partnership with Occupational Health services to ensure timely interventions, effective support plans and reduced absence timescales across the manufacturing environment.
- Actively promote and encourage the use of wellbeing resources, such as the Employee Assistance Programme, Aviva Plus, BEN and the Centre for Wellbeing, to strengthen employee support and drive reductions in absence frequency and duration.
- Apply sound judgement and balanced risk analysis to make informed recommendations on appropriate case outcomes in line with company policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to support accurate data reporting relating to manufacturing absence, ensuring insights are available to inform decision making and trend analysis.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders across HR and the wider business to ensure the efficient delivery of Employee Relations services.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Employee Relations team, actively identifying opportunities to enhance processes, tools or ways of working.
- Undertake any additional responsibilities or tasks as required by the line manager in connection with the role.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential:
- Experience of supporting absence, ill‑health, restricted workers and disciplinary casework in a manufacturing environment.
- High level of accuracy and strong attention to detail.
- Effective organisational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage a varied workload.
- Strong coaching and advisory skills, capable of supporting and engaging managers across all levels.
- Customer focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high‑quality HR support.
- Ability to work autonomously, using initiative to manage workload and meet challenging deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver consistent, effective results in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
Employee Relations/HR Specialist employer: Sumitomo Electric
Contact Detail:
Sumitomo Electric Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations/HR Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the HR field, especially those working in manufacturing. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and culture. Since they’re looking for someone who embodies their Creators Code, think about how you can demonstrate Customer Love, Unity, Integrity, Growth, and Impact during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR interview questions. Focus on your experience with absence management and how you've handled complex cases in the past. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations/HR Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your HR Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for HR shine through! We want to see how much you care about employee relations and supporting your colleagues. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a positive workplace.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'absence management' and 'employee support'. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're serious about the position.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity in applications. Keep your sentences straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. This helps us quickly grasp your skills and experiences without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sumitomo Electric
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Employee Relations Operations Specialist role. Familiarise yourself with absence management processes and be ready to discuss your experience in handling similar cases. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but that you’re prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Embody the Values
The client values Customer Love, Unity, Integrity, Growth, and Impact. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these values. Be ready to share how you can bring these principles into your work, especially in a manufacturing environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to absence management or disciplinary actions. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to resolving them. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to support managers effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the team dynamics, the training provided, or how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.