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