About the Company Our client are a leading global coatings manufacturing company. They supply paint systems for the industrial finishing of metal and plastics operating in 23 production sites in 17 countries with worldwide almost 1,800 talented people. It is owned by a family business with the purpose to own and develop successful businesses to lead the transition towards a sustainable world. With a long history dating back over 150 years, the privately held group is steadily growing since many years and became one of the most respected players in the Coil Coatings industry with well- established contacts to steel manufacturers. In addition, well known for closeness to the customers and an innovative product development. Role Description On behalf of our client, we are seeking a dynamic UK Head of HR/HR Manager with relevant manufacturing experience to cover maternity leave for 14 months. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape HR strategies at our site. You will collaborate alongside our HR Generalist with the local leadership team and the E&A HR Director, delivering key HR functions, driving employee engagement initiatives, and ensuring policy compliance. This role provides the opportunity to make a significant impact across the region, contributing to employee well-being and advancing HR strategies. The main attributes include: Leadership: Strong leadership skills to oversee HR operations, manage teams, and ensure business continuity. Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt to existing HR processes, culture, and ongoing projects. Communication: Excellent communication skills to liaise between employees, management, and external stakeholders. Decision-Making: Solid decision-making capabilities in areas like recruitment, employee relations, and policy enforcement. HR Expertise: In-depth knowledge of HR policies, compliance, and employment laws to ensure smooth operations. Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to resolving HR-related issues efficiently. Location: This position is based at Liverpool site in Speke. What will you do? General HR Support Provide comprehensive HR support to managers and the Managing Director. Lead and manage a small team to ensure efficient HR service delivery. Act as a point of escalation for employee queries and complex HR matters. Oversee operational HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, payroll, and compliance. Work closely with the MD and leadership team to ensure HR strategies (e.g., talent acquisition, retention, and development) align with business goals and support long-term growth. Policy & Compliance Ensure the business complies with employment laws and regulations, reducing HR-related risks. Regularly review and update HR policies and employee contracts to meet legal requirements. Provide guidance on HR procedures and ensure adherence to statutory compliance and internal policies (e.g., Code of Conduct, Ethics, Health & Safety). Strategic HR Leadership Partner with the leadership team on HR reporting, budget planning, and forecasting. Drive key people priorities and collaborate with managers to meet performance and development targets (KPIs, reviews, goals). Implement regional E&A HR strategy through projects locally. Monitor key HR metrics, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations. Advise on workforce needs, organisational design, and optimisation of existing structures Rewards & Benefits Manage pay changes, promotions, and role changes, ensuring timely and accurate processing. Oversee the management and renewal of internal benefits packages, ensuring competitiveness with market standards. Manage relationships with external partners related to Diversity, Health, and Wellbeing initiatives. Change Management Develop and implement change management strategies to maximise employee adoption and minimise resistance. Identify risks and address points of resistance during change initiatives. Collaborate with department heads to ensure alignment of change initiatives with business goals. Employee Relations & Performance Management Lead on all aspects of employee relations, ensuring compliance with legal and business standards. Partner with managers to oversee performance reviews and support the implementation of follow-up actions and development plans. Drive People Initiatives, including Goal Setting, Annual Salary Review (ASR), and People Review processes. Talent Development & Recruitment Lead the internal recruitment process, working with managers to identify talent needs and ensure a positive candidate experience. Facilitate talent planning, succession planning, and career development to maintain a strong future talent pipeline. Oversee onboarding and induction processes for new hires, ensuring smooth integration into company culture. Engagement & Culture Champion employee engagement initiatives across the site, including global programmes to foster a positive work culture. Analyse employee engagement surveys and collaborate with managers to implement meaningful improvements. Implement leadership coaching and succession planning initiatives. Serve as a liaison between the business and employees to ensure transparent communication. Skills, Knowledge and Experience: Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills. HR experience in a similar role which must include experience within a manufacturing industry Experience in Unionised environment preferable Sound understanding of business HR practices and regional employment laws. Ideally CIPD qualified or working towards a similar certification. Ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders and manage change effectively. Proficiency with HR reporting systems. Strong project management skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. What we can offer you Excellent competitive base salary Highly competitive yearly bonus Fully company paid Private family level healthcare Company electric or hybrid vehicle salary sacrifice scheme Competitive company contribution pension Life assurance Cycle to work scheme Variety of discounts at well-known retails and gyms Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay Free car parking on site Weekly Onsite Physiotherapy