HR Manager
12-Month Fixed Term Contract - to start February 2026
North Wales / Chester area
£65,000 - £70,000 per annum
Are you an experienced HR leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments and enjoys making a visible impact? We have been retained by a well-established, highly regarded organisation to appoint an HR Manager for a 12-month fixed-term assignment starting in February 2026.
This is a site-based leadership role where you'll sit at the heart of the operation, shaping the people agenda, strengthening organisational capability and supporting major business initiatives. You'll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
The opportunity
As the lead HR professional on site, you'll take ownership of all people-related activity, from employee engagement and talent planning to labour relations and organisational effectiveness. You'll play a key role in supporting transformation projects while ensuring the workforce remains engaged, compliant and future-ready.
Key responsibilities
- Driving engagement & culture - Create an environment where people feel valued, motivated and equipped to perform at their best.
- Talent & succession planning - Lead workforce planning and succession strategies to ensure the right skills and capability are in place for the future.
- Union & employee relations - Manage relationships with trade unions and employee representatives, supporting negotiations and maintaining positive, constructive dialogue.
- Change & project leadership - Provide HR leadership on key operational and supply chain projects, adapting people strategies to support business change.
- Leadership development - Coach and support senior leaders and people managers, building capability and strengthening leadership effectiveness across the site.
- Organisational effectiveness - Lead organisational health reviews, translate insight into action and oversee delivery of improvement plans aligned with internal frameworks.
What we're looking for
- Qualified HR professional with proven experience at HR Manager/Head of HR level
- Background in a unionised manufacturing or industrial environment
- Confident communicator able to influence and challenge at all levels
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a commercially focused mindset
Why apply?
This is a high-impact interim opportunity offering exposure to a complex, operational environment where HR genuinely influences business outcomes. Ideal for an HR leader who enjoys partnering closely with senior stakeholders and delivering meaningful change.
Salary range of £65,000 - £70,000 plus bonus and a competitive benefits offering.
Interested? Apply to Leanne Boddy at Macmillan Davies via the link below.
