HR Advisor

City, Leeds
D R Newitt & Associates

Title: HR Advisor
Location: West Yorkshire
Salary: 35-45k (DOE)
Industry: Manufacturing
Experience required: CIPD Level 3+

Role Purpose
Provide first-line HR and Employee Relations (ER) support across a fast-paced manufacturing environment, acting as a key contact for managers and employees. Deliver consistent, compliant and proactive HR guidance while supporting engagement, recruitment, absence, and employee lifecycle processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for HR/ER queries, providing advice on policies, procedures, terms and conditions, performance, conduct, and capability issues.
• Support and coach managers in handling ER cases, including grievances, investigations, disciplinaries, absence management, and return-to-work processes.
• Attend and minute formal and informal meetings, ensuring accurate documentation and legal compliance.
• Manage HR administration across the employee lifecycle (recruitment, onboarding, contracts, leavers, job changes, restructures).
• Maintain and update HR systems, personnel files, case management records, and produce reports as required.
• Coordinate recruitment activities and partner with managers on job design, assessment, and onboarding.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, including communications, feedback channels, and recognition programmes.
• Prepare payroll documentation where required and ensure accuracy of employee data.
• Collaborate with HR colleagues on policy updates, organisational change, and continuous improvement projects.
• Build strong working relationships across all levels, supporting effective communication and promoting good HR practice.

Candidate Profile

• HR generalist with strong knowledge of current employment legislation.
• CIPD Level 3 (minimum)
• Proven experience managing ER cases in FMCG/food/drinks, manufacturing environments or similar fast-paced environments
• Highly organised, detail-focused, analytical, and confident using HR systems and IT tools.
• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills; able to work face-to-face across multiple sites where required.
• Resilient, proactive, and able to prioritise competing demands in a dynamic environment.
• Confidential, professional, and committed to continuous improvement in HR practice.