World Heat is a growing UK manufacturing business specialising in hot water cylinders, buffer vessels and renewable heating products. We currently employ around 120 people, with the majority working across our manufacturing and operational teams.
We are looking for an experienced, practical and confident HR Manager to take ownership of HR across the business. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who understands manufacturing environments, is comfortable dealing with real employee issues, and can support managers and supervisors in maintaining standards across the business.
This is not a role for someone who simply creates paperwork or avoids difficult conversations. We need someone who can deal with issues properly, fairly and professionally, while protecting the business and supporting good employees.
The Role
The HR Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of all employee HR matters across the company. This will include absence management, return-to-work interviews, disciplinaries, investigations, probation reviews, performance management, employee relations, recruitment support, onboarding, documentation, policies and general HR compliance.
You will work closely with directors, managers and supervisors to make sure staff issues are dealt with promptly and correctly. Where employees are not performing, particularly during probation, you will support supervisors in managing the process properly and, where required, assist with dismissals in a fair and legally compliant way.
You will also be expected to help improve the structure, consistency and professionalism of HR across the business, ensuring that records are maintained, processes are followed, and managers are properly supported.
Key Responsibilities
Managing absence, sickness records and return-to-work interviews.
Handling disciplinaries, grievances, investigations and employee relations issues.
Supporting managers and directors with difficult employee matters, including dismissals where appropriate.
Managing probation periods, probation reviews and outcomes.
Supporting supervisors when employees are underperforming or failing to meet required standards.
Ensuring HR processes are followed consistently and fairly across the business.
Maintaining accurate employee records, contracts, letters and HR documentation.
Supporting recruitment, onboarding and induction processes.
Reviewing and improving HR policies, procedures and staff handbooks.
Advising managers on employment law, best practice and risk.
Helping maintain a fair, disciplined and productive workplace culture.
Supporting training, development, appraisals and performance review processes.
Working with directors to ensure the company is protected and staff are managed properly.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone experienced, confident and practical. You must be comfortable dealing with challenging employee situations and able to give clear advice to managers without overcomplicating issues.
The ideal candidate will have:
Previous experience as an HR Manager, Senior HR Advisor, HR Business Partner or similar.
Strong experience dealing with disciplinaries, grievances, absence and performance issues.
Experience in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, warehousing or a similar hands-on working environment.
Good knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
The confidence to challenge poor performance and support managers in taking appropriate action.
A practical, commercially minded approach to HR.
Strong communication skills and the ability to deal with people firmly but fairly.
Excellent organisation and record-keeping skills.
CIPD qualification preferred, ideally Level 5 or above, but strong practical experience is equally important.
The Right Person
The right person for this role will be fair, professional and approachable, but also firm when needed. We want someone who helps resolve issues, not someone who makes simple issues more complicated.
You will need to be comfortable working in a busy manufacturing business where standards, attendance, attitude and performance matter. You should be able to support good employees while dealing properly with employees who are not meeting expectations.
What We Offer
Salary of £50,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on experience.
A senior, influential role within a growing manufacturing business.
The opportunity to shape and improve HR processes across the company.
Direct access to directors and senior management.
A stable, long-term role in a business with ambitious growth plans.
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and a short covering note explaining your HR experience, particularly around employee relations, absence management, disciplinaries and performance management.
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
