HR Manager

MRD Recruitment is delighted to be recruiting a HR Manager on behalf of our Engineering client, who are a global leader in their respective field. Reporting into the Site Director, the HR Manager will be based in Falkirk 5 days a week.

The successful HR Manager, based in Falkirk, will be responsible for delivering comprehensive HR services, including the management of payroll, supporting workforce training and competence, maintaining compliance, supporting operational continuity, and fostering a high-performance, safety-first culture.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Provide operational and consultancy support to circa 50 permanent employees across various disciplines/departments.

• Covering both collective and non-collective staff and reward mechanisms.
• Payroll management and sign-off circa £4M annually.
• Consistency of service, balancing local needs against broader business requirements.
• Management accountability for one direct report
• Lead the delivery of HR services, ensuring alignment with company policies and processes, employment law, and industry regulations.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, and performance management.
• Maintain accurate and secure employee records, ensuring GDPR and safety compliance. Act as the GDPR representative for the site.
• Design tailored resourcing solutions to support recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning in line with operational needs.
• Develop and deliver employee engagement initiatives and promote a positive workplace culture.
• Analyse trends and metrics using employee data to put in place actionable plans to support the business.
• Produce reportable monthly KPIs covering, resources, absence, competence, training, working time directive (WTD) and people costs.
• Deliver the compensation and benefit strategy, including performance pay reviews, job evaluation, succession planning, promotions and progressions, support the salary spend/budget within the business, ensuring appropriate approvals are in place.
• Support collective bargaining, pay negotiation and Trade Union relations.
• Manage relationships with external networks such as recruitment and training consultancies, HR & Payroll provider, Occupational Health Service, EAP services etc. to leverage added value business opportunities.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll, including shift differentials, overtime, and allowances.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and internal audit requirements.
• Manage pension contributions, benefits, and statutory deductions.
• Liaise with finance and external payroll providers as required.
• Oversee the coordination of mandatory safety and compliance training (e.g., COMAH, fire safety, hazardous materials handling).
• Ensure the competency framework is regularly reviewed, updated and remains fit for purpose.
• Identify training needs and support the development of technical and leadership skills across the workforce.
• Ensure accurate records of training are maintained.
• Act as the communications lead for the business, responsible for all internal and external communication.
• Participate in the on-call rota, providing support during incidents.
• Participate in and support site audits.

Essential skills, knowledge & behaviours

• Proven HR management experience in a high-risk, regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, payroll processes, and HR best practices.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
• IT literate.
• Experience working in unionised environments and collective bargaining processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure, especially during emergency situations.
• CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent experience).
• Completer/finisher who is proactive, with a focus on delivery.
• Strong coaching, facilitation and communication skills at all levels - ability to influence effectively.
• Ability to proactively support change.