HR Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Operations Manager to join a dynamic site-based team. This is a key leadership role within Human Resources, offering the opportunity to influence people strategy, drive employee relations, and support operational excellence.
Reporting into the Head of HR, you will deliver a full spectrum of generalist HR support, with a strong focus on absence management, employee relations, and union engagement. You will also lead and develop a small HR team, ensuring high-quality and consistent HR service delivery.

Key Responsibilities
Absence Management
Oversee and monitor employee absence, ensuring compliance with policies and legislation
Partner with Occupational Health to manage long-term sickness cases
Analyse absence trends and provide actionable insights to leadership
Support managers with return-to-work processes and complex absence matters
Lead ill-health dismissal and medical incapacity processes in line with best practiceEmployee Relations
Provide expert advice on disciplinary, grievance, and performance management issues
Promote fair and consistent application of HR policies
Proactively resolve conflicts and support a positive workplace cultureUnion & Collective Bargaining
Play a key role in collective bargaining activities
Lead or support negotiations and consultations with union representatives
Act as a primary HR contact at regular union forums
Build strong, effective relationships between management and employee representativesGeneralist HR & Team Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop HR Advisors
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and talent initiatives
Ensure accurate and confidential HR administration and record-keeping
Contribute to policy development and HR improvement initiativesReporting & Stakeholder Engagement
Produce monthly HR reports and provide insights to senior leadership
Ensure data integrity and confidentiality
Represent HR at senior management meetings, contributing to strategic discussionsAbout You
We are looking for a confident and experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, operational environment.
You will bring:
Proven experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within a unionised environment (Essential)
Hands-on experience with collective bargaining and union engagement (Essential)
Strong absence management expertise, including complex case handling (Essential)
Experience leading or supervising HR team members
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical and reporting capabilities
Ability to prioritise and deliver under pressureQualifications & Requirements:
Degree and/or CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)
Full driving licence and access to a vehicleWhat You’ll Bring to the Role
High levels of integrity and professionalism
A collaborative and proactive approach
A commitment to building positive working relationships across all levels
A strong focus on health, safety, and wellbeingAdditional Information
Site-based role with occasional travel – 4 days on site and one day from home
Involvement in senior leadership forums
Opportunity to shape HR practices and support organisational success