At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and manage a small team at our Wednesbury manufacturing site.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing company focused on people management and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee engagement and talent retention in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualified with 8-10 years of HR experience, including leadership roles.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to shape HR practices in a fast-paced industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 Β£ per year.
Location: Onsite β Wednesbury
Salary: Β£60,000 β Β£70,000 + benefits
Sector: Manufacturing
Overview
We are seeking a commercially minded and experienced Senior HR Manager to lead the HR function at our busy manufacturing site in Wednesbury. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, responsible for developing and delivering the people strategy, managing a small HR team, and partnering with senior leadership to drive business success through exceptional people management.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic HR Leadership
- Shape and implement the siteβs HR strategy in alignment with wider business objectives and workforce plans.
- Serve as a senior business partner to functional heads and site leadership, advising on organisational design, cultural development, and performance improvement.
- Ensure HR practices contribute to operational excellence, employee engagement, and talent retention.
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead, develop, and coach a small HR team to deliver consistent, high-quality support across the employee lifecycle.
- Build a proactive, solution-oriented HR culture that supports line managers and enhances the employee experience.
- HR Policy, Compliance & ER
- Oversee the creation, implementation, and communication of HR policies and procedures in line with employment law and industry standards.
- Manage complex employee relations matters including disciplinaries, grievances, and restructures with a pragmatic, legally sound approach.
- Talent Strategy & Workforce Planning
- Drive site-wide talent and succession planning in collaboration with department heads.
- Implement development programmes and career pathways to build internal capability and future leadership.
- Lead workforce planning efforts to align headcount, skills, and structure with operational needs.
- Recruitment & Employer Branding
- Oversee recruitment activities for skilled and operational roles, ensuring an efficient, inclusive process.
- Position the site as an employer of choice in the manufacturing sector through targeted attraction and retention strategies.
- L&D and Organisational Development
- Lead the siteβs learning and development agenda, ensuring mandatory, technical, and leadership training is delivered effectively.
- Promote a continuous learning culture and support managers with coaching and capability development.
- HR Projects & Transformation
- Deliver key HR projects, including systems upgrades, process improvements, and change initiatives.
- Identify and embed best practices in HR operations and employee engagement.
- Reporting & Analytics
- Produce and present key HR metrics and insights to drive data-informed decisions.
- Monitor KPIs across turnover, absence, ER, and engagement to inform business priorities.
Experience & Qualifications
- CIPD Level 7 qualified (or working towards)
- 8β10+ years HR experience, with at least 3β5 years in a leadership role
- Strong track record in a manufacturing, industrial, or unionised environment
- Experienced in leading ER casework, team management, and HR strategy implementation
- Solid understanding of UK employment legislation and its application in practice
- Competence in using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office tools (especially Excel and PowerPoint)
Key Competencies
- Strategic and commercial thinking
- Inspirational leadership and team development
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
- Change management capability
- Resilience, adaptability, and a hands-on attitude
- Analytical and data-driven approach to HR decision-making
Senior Human Resources Manager employer: Talent Fox Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Talent Fox Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Human Resources Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, especially those in HR roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in HR management.
β¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by HR in manufacturing environments. Understanding issues like employee relations, compliance, and talent retention will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading HR teams and driving change initiatives. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies that align with business objectives.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform HR decisions. Highlight any experience you have with HRIS systems and how you've leveraged metrics to improve employee engagement and operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Human Resources Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR leadership, particularly in manufacturing or similar sectors. Emphasise your strategic thinking and team management skills, as these are crucial for the Senior HR Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the company's needs and how your background aligns with their HR strategy. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR initiatives in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your CIPD Level 7 qualification or progress towards it. Include any additional certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to professional development in HR.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide examples of your leadership style and how you've developed teams in the past. Discuss your approach to employee engagement and talent retention, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Fox Recruitment
β¨Understand the Business Context
Before the interview, research the manufacturing sector and the specific challenges it faces. This will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how your HR experience can align with the company's goals.
β¨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led HR teams in the past. Highlight your ability to develop talent and foster a proactive HR culture, as this is crucial for the role.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complex employee relations issues or implementing HR policies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
β¨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with key HR metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. This will show your analytical approach and understanding of HR's impact on business performance.