Senior HR Officer

We offer a 12-month fixed-term opportunity to contribute to an exciting project/team.

About the Team:

To lead and support HR activities within a fast-paced unionized manufacturing environment, ensuring effective employee relations, compliance, and continuous improvement in HR practices. This is a hands-on role requiring proactive engagement with employees at all levels, driving initiatives that enhance workforce performance, engagement, and HR functional excellence. To excel in this role, you will need the ability to encourage and motivate people, build strong relationships cross functionally and have exceptional communication skills. 

What you can look forward to as Senior HR Officer:

• Ensure service delivery of fundamental HR processes – inc. absence management, recruitment, onboarding, maintain accurate HR records
• Act as the primary HR contact for employees, including union representatives
• Supervise HR Apprentice and Training Officer by providing guidance, feedback, and support to develop their skills and knowledge
• Lead HR-related continuous improvement initiatives  
• Coach line managers on effective people management practices
• Manage grievance and disciplinary procedures in line with company policy and union agreements
• Use internal systems to provide accurate people data with appropriate analysis and recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with operational teams to improve employee engagement and retention
• Promote employee wellbeing programs and mental health awareness
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and collective agreements.
• Support payroll and timekeeping processes in collaboration with Finance and Operations

Your Profile as Senior HR Officer: 

• Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• A strong understanding of HR processes, procedures, employment law and best practices
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work on the shop floor and build trust
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience with HR systems and data analysis
• CIPD Level 5 or above desirable
• Familiarity with payroll and timekeeping systems desirable
• Commitment to continuous improvement, attention to detail and organizational skills desirable
• Resilience and adaptability, problem-solving and decision-making as well as influencing and stakeholder management desirable

Why you should choose ZF in Darlaston: 

• Compensation up to 55k per year
• Hours of work will normally be 37 per week, following the standard pattern.
  • Monday – Thursday: 8.00am – 4.30pm (lunch break 12.30pm – 13.00pm)
  • Friday: 8.00pm – 1.00pm (no lunch break – work straight through)
• Pension (up to 6% contribution from company with 3% contribution from employee)
• 27 days holiday, plus statutory days
• 2x Life Assurance cover
• Health Cashplan