HR Manager - One Year FTC (maternity cover)

Unicatcatalyst; Dewsbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Dewsbury is seeking an experienced HR Manager for a one-year fixed-term maternity cover. In this role, you will provide comprehensive HR support across the UK operations, oversee employee lifecycle processes, and advise site leaders on HR matters. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of HR experience in a multi-site context, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and the ability to manage complex personnel issues. This position offers full-time on-site work, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Free eye test

Yearly health check

Discretionary annual bonus scheme

Death-in-service benefit

Pension (company matched up to 6%)

Onsite parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a generalist HR role, ideally in a multi-site environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Experience advising and influencing managers on complex people matters.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary HR partner to site leaders, providing timely advice on HR matters.
• Lead and support disciplinary, grievance, performance management and sickness processes.
• Oversee onboarding processes and ensure appraisal effectiveness.
• Monitor and manage sickness absence records.

Skills

Generalist HR experience

Knowledge of UK employment law

Advising and influencing managers

Managing competing priorities

Job description

HR Manager - One Year FTC (maternity cover)

Type: Full Time

Function: HR

Location: Dewsbury

UNICAT Catalyst is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality catalysts and adsorbent materials. We serve industries worldwide, including oil, gas, petrochemical, DRI, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.

Our mission is built upon three core values:

Innovative Catalyst and Process Technology Partner: We drive progress through cutting-edge solutions.

Dedicated Collaboration: We work closely with partners to develop effective solutions.

Adaptable and Flexible: We focus on enhancing customer profitability, sustainability, and efficiency.

Employee Benefits:

• Free eye test (free pair of glasses worth up to £50)
• Yearly health check
• Discretionary Annual bonus Scheme
• Death-in-service benefit (up to three times annual salary)
• Pension (company matched up to 6%)
• Onsite parking

Position: HR Manager - One Year FTC (maternity cover)

Location: Full-time on-site, Dewsbury

Hours: Monday - Thursday 08:30 - 17:00, Friday 08:30 - 16:00

Job Overview

The HR Manager will operate as a senior HR generalist in a multi-site environment, providing comprehensive people support across UNICAT Catalyst’s UK operations. Reporting into senior leadership, the role will oversee the full employee lifecycle, deliver pragmatic HR advice, manage employee relations, support payroll cover, and drive engagement, learning and compliance initiatives.

The postholder will work closely with leaders across sites, acting as a trusted advisor while coaching and upskilling managers to confidently manage people matters in line with employment legislation and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Employee Relations

• Act as the primary HR partner to site leaders, providing timely, practical advice on all HR and employee relations matters.
• Lead and support disciplinary, grievance, performance management and sickness absence processes, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
• Facilitate investigations and formal meetings, acting as HR advisor and note taker where required.
• Proactively analyse employee relations trends and absence data, working with managers to address root causes and reduce risk.

Employee Lifecycle & Operations

• Oversee onboarding processes, including HR systems setup and induction.
• Monitor and manage sickness absence records, trigger points and occupational health referrals.
• Ensure appraisal and performance review processes are implemented effectively and consistently.
• Maintain accurate HR records in line with GDPR and company policies.

Payroll, Compliance & Policy

• Provide cover and support for payroll processing during HR Officer absence (Sage experience desirable).
• Ensure HR practices, policies and procedures comply with UK employment legislation.
• Review, update and implement HR policies and contribute to HR handbook development.

Learning, Development & Engagement

• Support managers with training needs analysis and development planning.
• Track mandatory and role-specific training, ensuring plans and reviews are completed on schedule.
• Liaise with external training providers and support delivery of development initiatives.
• Support employee engagement, wellbeing and benefits initiatives, benchmarking where appropriate.

Recruitment & Projects

• Support recruitment and onboarding activities in the absence of recruitment support.
• Contribute to HR projects, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide HR metrics and insights on absence, attrition, training and performance to senior stakeholders.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within a multi-site environment
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law
• Experience advising and influencing managers on complex people matters
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

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