HR Business Partner

People Partner

Bridgwater

Human Resources

DAYS Mon-Friday

Are you an experienced HR Advisor looking to take the next step or a People Partner currently looking for a change?

Our people are the driving force behind our success. As a People Partner, you will play a vital role in supporting and enabling our leaders to improve workforce effectiveness while aligning with the business strategy. This position offers the opportunity to work in a Manufacturing environment with a dynamic and proactive HR focus, providing strategic advice on employee relations, industrial relations, employment law, and more.

Role Overview

The People Partner is a generalist HR role focused on delivering high-quality support across all HR functions, including Employee Relations (ER), Industrial Relations (IR), workforce planning, change management, and talent development. You will act as a trusted advisor to people at all levels, offering guidance on managing people, addressing ER matters, and driving business outcomes in line with organisational objectives. The role holder will also have a strong focus on reducing absenteeism, turnover, and promoting employee engagement and performance.

Role Objectives

1. Provide sound advice and guidance on all Employee Relations (ER) and Industrial Relations (IR) matters, flagging risks, and ensuring compliance with employment law.
2. Identify and address factors impacting absence and labour turnover, advising management and providing actionable recommendations.
3. Lead and drive the talent development agenda, including career conversations, talent pipelines, and continuous performance management.
4. Manage disciplinary, grievance, and absence processes, ensuring consistency and legal compliance.
5. Build and maintain trusted relationships with Union Stewards and Officials and engage in key IR matters.
6. Proactively support workforce planning, recruitment, and change management processes.
7. Collaborate with the QHSE team to address health, safety, and quality concerns as they relate to people and workforce issues.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations

Proactively manage absence and absence-related issues, providing advice and support to managers.

Oversee the disciplinary and grievance processes, guiding managers and ensuring all cases are handled appropriately.

Update and review HR policies and procedures, ensuring they remain current and compliant.

Maintain accurate records and provide data-driven insights and recommendations to management based on trend analysis.

Leadership & Advisory

Act as a trusted advisor to managers across all levels, providing strategic HR guidance that aligns with business needs.

Support the People Administrator with escalated issues and coverage for key tasks such as payroll, recruitment, and onboarding.

Maintain effective communication with all staff on HR-related matters, ensuring clarity and transparency.

Produce monthly reports on people metrics and provide actionable insights and recommendations.

Industrial Relations

• Develop and sustain a trusted relationship with Union Stewards and Officials.
• Act as a key stakeholder in Industrial Relations matters, working with legal advisors and providing sound advice.

Recruitment, Workforce Planning, and Change Management

• Manage relationships and contracts with recruitment agencies to ensure workforce needs are met.
• Approve recruitment requests and manage headcount within budgetary constraints.
• Assist with recruitment and onboarding processes as needed, supporting the People Administrator.
• Contribute to change projects such as restructuring or shift changes, ensuring smooth implementation and communication.

Key Qualifications & Skills

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (desriable) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a generalist HR role or as an HR Advisor, with a proven track record in managing ER cases.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and best practices in HR.
• Experience in managing Industrial Relations matters and building trusted relationships with unions.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to build strong relationships and trust at all levels within the organisation.
• Experience in talent development, succession planning, and career management.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package.

A dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and growth.

The chance to make a significant impact on the success and effectiveness of our workforce.

Symmetric is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for all employees.