9 Empathy jobs in Milton Keynes

HR Manager

Competitive, Car allowance, Bonus + Package

Bedfordshire

Lead HR strategy in a growing Food manufacturing business in a Senior HR leadership role with impact, innovation and culture at its core.

In the fast-paced world of FMCG and food manufacturing, success is driven by people. This HR Manager, Food manufacturing role is an opportunity for a seasoned HR leader to shape culture, enable growth and champion a forward-thinking people strategy in a global business that designs customised solutions for the food industry. With sustainability, innovation and culinary excellence at the heart of its mission this organisation makes food matter for people and the planet.

As HR Manager, you will lead a talented HR team across multiple production sites, guiding the full employee lifecycle from talent acquisition to succession planning. You will sit on the divisional leadership teams and act as a trusted strategic partner while delivering initiatives that strengthen engagement, foster diversity, equity and inclusion, and uphold ethical, sustainable workplace practices. This is a pivotal role for someone ready to blend strategic vision with hands-on delivery, ensuring the business continues to be recognised as a great place to work.

To qualify for consideration,

• You’ll bring years of experience leading multi-site HR teams within Food manufacturing/FMCG, ideally at Chartered CIPD level.
• Have a track record of delivering results through change management, cultural transformation, and innovative people strategies.
• Be commercially aware and data-driven, you thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, balancing strategic leadership with operational excellence.
• Have a strong knowledge of UK employment law, ethical compliance, and leadership in wellbeing, talent management, and organisational development.

This role offers the platform to influence at senior level in a growing, purpose-led, international organisation with a collaborative culture and a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and employee wellbeing. You will be empowered to lead impactful projects, shape policy, and develop future leaders in a business that values your expertise.

With a base location in Bedfordshire the role is commutable from Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Essex.

If you are driven by purpose, inspired by challenge, and motivated to shape the future of people strategy in the FMCG and food manufacturing sector apply today with your CV or contact myself (Neal) directly to discuss further – If you would like to add a note to your application with why the role feels like a fit that would be a helpful but not essential.

Please note that visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position and that the employer is not open to candidates who are on Visa’s

Ref NAH57365

Döhler is a global producer, marketer, and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems, and integrated solutions for the Food & Beverage industry. With a passion for innovation and a focus on sustainability, we support our customers in developing healthy, natural, and great-tasting products that consumers love.

The Role

As part of our continued international growth, we are looking for a proactive and hands-on HR Generalist to support our UK operations across two locations:

• Milton Keynes – our commercial sales office (approx. 35 employees) – your main focus

• Ledbury – a production site (approx. 40 employees)

You will serve as the local HR contact for both sites, working closely with managers and employees to provide professional, people-centered support across a broad range of HR topics. You take ownership of your responsibilities, understand when to involve others, and enjoy being part of an international network.

This role offers the opportunity to grow in a dynamic and expanding global company — ideal for someone who is ready to develop into a future HR Business Partner.

___

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on HR topics such as performance management, employee relations, and team development

• Drive and support key HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, learning & development, and offboarding

• Help implement and continuously improve local HR policies, tools, and processes aligned with Döhler’s global standards

• Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, and a positive work culture

• Ensure compliance with UK employment law and internal HR policies

• Provide HR administrative support when needed (note: payroll is managed by a local colleague)

• Contribute to local and international HR initiatives and projects

___

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field

• Around 3 years of HR experience in a generalist role

• Able to operate with a high degree of autonomy while staying aligned with stakeholders and global HR guidelines

• Experience in both commercial and/or manufacturing environments is a plus

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – approachable, solution-focused, and professional

• Well-organized, analytical, and cost-conscious

• Confident in MS Office; experience with HR systems (e.g., SuccessFactors) is an advantage

___

What We Offer

• A key HR role in a growing, innovation-driven company within the global Food & Beverage ingredients industry

• Regular presence on-site at both UK locations (Milton Keynes & Ledbury), with partial hybrid working possible

• A collaborative and international HR network with real opportunities for professional growth

• The chance to shape HR practices in a dynamic environment with flat hierarchies and entrepreneurial spirit

___

Reporting Lines

• Direct reporting: Managing Director, Döhler UK

• Functional reporting: Head of HR Europe

HR Business Partner – Manufacturing Operations

• Based either Wellingborough (Northampton), Selby (North Yorkshire) or Worksop (Nottinghamshire) - travel across sites is required for this role
li>6 months FTC
• Hybrid working offered once relationships have been built - travel is required for this role
• Paying up to £65k

**The ideal candidate will have worked within a large business, circa 10k-15k employees**

The Business:

This UK-based manufacturing group operates successfully across the country with multiple sites. Privately owned, the business maintains a strong commitment to product quality, customer service, and investing in its workforce.

The HR team plays a key role in supporting continued growth. The company culture encourages continuous improvement and innovation, particularly within HR, creating opportunities to lead change initiatives.

The ideal candidate will embrace the company’s heritage and values, while supporting leaders in adopting new approaches. The organisation is looking for collaborative individuals who can help drive sustainable progress.

The Role

The successful person will be a proactive partner to business leaders, aligning HR strategies with business objectives. The HRBP provides guidance on people-related matters such as workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, performance management, and organisational development.

Key responsibilities of the HR Business Partner:

Provide expert advice and coaching to managers on employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
• Lead complex employee relations (ER) cases up to employment tribunal (ET), and guide collective consultations on changes in working practices at local sites.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies.
• Improve operational managers’ capabilities in leading their teams.
< i>Lead or support HR projects and initiatives across the business.
• Support organisational change initiatives and drive employee engagement, including wellbeing programs.
• Analyse HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making and enhance workforce effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, manage document control, and support audits from customers and third parties.
• Collaborate with the wider HR team to effectively hire, onboard, and offboard employees as needed.

Key requirements of the HR Business Partner:

• Must have worked in a large business setting
• Significant HR Generalist experience, particularly in operational, manufacturing, or distribution environments.
• Experience with unionized and non-unionized teams, including managing legacy working agreements.
• Proven track record in leading complex ER cases and collective consultations.
• Familiar with supporting audits and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to lead within a safety-first culture and manage multiple priorities at pace.
• Credible, resilient, and fair approach to managing ER and IR matters.
• Strong collaboration skills and confidentiality in handling sensitive issues.
• Organised and action-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.

If you are interested in this HR Business Partner position and feel your experience matches the criteria, then please apply now for immediate consideration or for more information please contact Kerry Norman.

Medlock Partners are a professional services recruitment specialist operating across England. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances, including minorities and those with disabilities. Please note our advertisements use years' experience and salary levels purely as a guide. We are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

HR Business Partner – Manufacturing Operations

• Based either Wellingborough (Northampton), Selby (North Yorkshire) or Worksop (Nottinghamshire) - travel across sites is required for this role
• 6 months FTC
• Hybrid working offered once relationships have been built - travel is required for this role
• Paying up to £65k

**The ideal candidate will have worked within a large business, circa 10k-15k employees**

The Business:

This UK-based manufacturing group operates successfully across the country with multiple sites. Privately owned, the business maintains a strong commitment to product quality, customer service, and investing in its workforce.

The HR team plays a key role in supporting continued growth. The company culture encourages continuous improvement and innovation, particularly within HR, creating opportunities to lead change initiatives.

The ideal candidate will embrace the company’s heritage and values, while supporting leaders in adopting new approaches. The organisation is looking for collaborative individuals who can help drive sustainable progress.

The Role

The successful person will be a proactive partner to business leaders, aligning HR strategies with business objectives. The HRBP provides guidance on people-related matters such as workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, performance management, and organisational development.

Key responsibilities of the HR Business Partner:

• Provide expert advice and coaching to managers on employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
• Lead complex employee relations (ER) cases up to employment tribunal (ET), and guide collective consultations on changes in working practices at local sites.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies.
• Improve operational managers’ capabilities in leading their teams.
• Lead or support HR projects and initiatives across the business.
• Support organisational change initiatives and drive employee engagement, including wellbeing programs.
• Analyse HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making and enhance workforce effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, manage document control, and support audits from customers and third parties.
• Collaborate with the wider HR team to effectively hire, onboard, and offboard employees as needed.

Key requirements of the HR Business Partner:

• Must have worked in a large business setting
• Significant HR Generalist experience, particularly in operational, manufacturing, or distribution environments.
• Experience with unionized and non-unionized teams, including managing legacy working agreements.
• Proven track record in leading complex ER cases and collective consultations.
• Familiar with supporting audits and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to lead within a safety-first culture and manage multiple priorities at pace.
• Credible, resilient, and fair approach to managing ER and IR matters.
• Strong collaboration skills and confidentiality in handling sensitive issues.
• Organised and action-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.

If you are interested in this HR Business Partner position and feel your experience matches the criteria, then please apply now for immediate consideration or for more information please contact Kerry Norman.

Medlock Partners are a professional services recruitment specialist operating across England. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances, including minorities and those with disabilities. Please note our advertisements use years' experience and salary levels purely as a guide. We are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or in a similar HR generalist role.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent employee relations, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated experience in talent management, performance management, and succession planning.
• Strong business acumen and ability to partner with senior leadership.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Act as a strategic HR partner to assigned business units.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on employee relations, performance management, and HR policies.
• Support the full recruitment lifecycle, from sourcing to onboarding.
• Develop and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Manage talent development programs and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law and HR regulations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of HR strategies.
• Handle complex employee relations issues and investigations.
• Analyze HR data and provide insights to support business decisions.

• CIPD qualification or equivalent professional HR certification.
• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or in a similar HR generalist role.
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Strong understanding of talent management and organizational development principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and credibility with stakeholders.
• Experience in managing employee relations and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Serve as a primary HR contact for designated business units.
• Manage employee relations issues, including conflict resolution and investigations.
• Support talent acquisition and retention strategies.
• Oversee performance management cycles and provide coaching to managers.
• Administer compensation and benefits programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures.
• Promote a positive employee experience and contribute to a strong organizational culture.

• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or similar HR role.
• In-depth knowledge of HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment, compensation, and employment law.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• Partner with assigned business units to develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Provide expert advice and coaching to managers on employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
• Lead and manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, development, and offboarding.
• Oversee compensation and benefits administration, ensuring competitiveness and fairness.
• Drive initiatives related to employee engagement, culture, and diversity & inclusion.
• Manage complex employee relations issues, including investigations and disciplinary actions.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment law.
• Support organisational change initiatives and provide guidance on workforce planning.
• Analyse HR data and metrics to identify trends and inform strategic decisions.

• CIPD qualified or equivalent professional HR qualification.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a Business Partner role.
• Proven experience supporting multiple business units or departments.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Experience in talent management, performance management, and employee relations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.