HR Business Partner

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) supports two manufacturing sites, one in Rawtenstall and one in Stoke, working closely with Plant Management and the Senior HR Business Partner to drive strategic HR initiatives. This role delivers high-quality and cost-effective HR services, providing expert guidance on workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, leadership development, and compliance. The HRBP is expected to be on-site four days per week to provide hands-on support to employees and leadership teams. Regular travel between both sites is required, and a full UK driving licence is essential. As a key advisor to Plant Managers, the HRBP plays a critical role in shaping people strategies, fostering a positive workplace culture, and supporting business objectives. Responsibilities Strategic HR Partnership

• Act as a trusted advisor to Plant Managers and leadership teams, providing HR insights and strategic recommendations.
• Bring the voice of employees into organisational decision-making processes.
• Understand business challenges and develop HR initiatives to address them.
Talent Acquisition & Development
• Work with Talent Acquisition team and hiring Managers on recruitment, selection, and onboarding for both hourly and salaried employees.
• Ensure robust talent development and succession planning frameworks are in place.
• Champion a structured training programme supporting technical and leadership development.
Employee Relations & Engagement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employees and management to drive high morale and retention.
• Advise and coach managers on HR policies, procedures, and employment law.
• Manage employee relations cases, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and absence management.
• Foster effective relationships with recognised Trade Unions and employee representatives.
• Support managers in creating an inclusive and engaging workplace culture.
HR Operations & Compliance
• Ensure HR policies and procedures align with UK employment law and company standards.
• Oversee payroll accuracy, HR systems maintenance, and employee record management.
• Provide HR data analysis and insights for informed decision-making.
• Lead or contribute to global and local HR projects.
HR Governance & Process Improvement
• Promote and support employee engagement platforms, including performance management and career development systems.
• Facilitate group processes to encourage employee involvement, problem-solving, and best practice sharing.
• Drive continuous improvement in HR practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  
  Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of HR experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Previous experience as an HR Business Partner in a global organisation is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR best practices, and experience managing Trade Union relationships.
Skills & Competencies
• Proven ability to influence and build relationships with senior leaders and employees.
• Strong coaching and advisory skills, with experience handling complex employee relations cases.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with HRIS systems (Workday preferred).
• Data-driven mindset, with the ability to provide HR insights for decision-making.
  
  Alkegen brings together two of the world's leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we're delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.
With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we're always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!, If you are interested in being part of a world class Human Resource function here at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you. At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people - ALL PEOPLE - breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation, and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.