HR Business Partner in Ely

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) provides practical, credible HR support to leaders and managers, enabling them to manage their teams confidently and consistently. This interim role is highly operational, and we are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and deliver immediate impact. The role places a strong emphasis on employee relations management, leadership coaching and the continuous improvement of people practices, supporting both day‑to‑day operational delivery and longer‑term organisational effectiveness. The successful individual will have a strong background in a manufacturing or operational environment.

Working Hours
Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Interview Process
2/3 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams values interview. Second stage: 1 hour Teams interview. Third stage: OnSite 2 hour interview.

Responsibilities

• Build effective working relationships with leaders through regular shopfloor presence.
• Support managers.
• Provide practical HR input into short‑term organisational changes.
• Provide hands‑on HR advice on employee relations matters.
• Support and guide managers through ER processes, reinforcing policy compliance.
• Support line managers in applying expected standards of behaviour.
• Provide practical coaching and guidance to managers.
• Reinforce consistent decision‑making at manager level by clarifying policies, procedures and management responsibilities.
• Participate in manager briefings and discussions.
• Support the delivery of annual and mid‑year performance review processes.
• Provide guidance to managers on managing underperformance and capability issues in line with policy.
• Work closely with HR Operations to ensure consistent application of HR processes and procedures across teams and shifts.
• Support the communication and rollout of people‑related initiatives, policy updates and changes, ensuring managers understand what is required of them.
• Provide HR support during short‑term change activity, including restructures, consultations and team changes.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience)
• HR advisory or business partnering experience
• Strong ER background with experience in complex cases
• Experience working in fast‑paced or operational environments
• Ability to interpret data to support decisions
• Manufacturing, engineering or technical sector experience
• Experience implementing HRIS systems or digital transformation
• LEAN methodology training or exposure
• Strong understanding of UK employment law

Eligibility
In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Benefits
Competitive salary. Pension scheme. Health care. 25 days holiday plus public holidays. Commitment bonus paid at the end of the contract if criteria are met. Contributed Pension Scheme, Group Life Cover, Private Health Care, Group Income Protection and more.

Company Overview
Thorlabs is a global, industry‑leading optical technologies company. We design and manufacture a range of innovative photonics products for manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. With 22 facilities across the world in nine countries, we are the gold standard in optics laboratories worldwide.