Can you confidently lead complex employee relations cases from investigation to outcome, balancing commercial risk with legal compliance in a fast-paced operational environment?
Are you comfortable challenging and influencing senior operational leaders while remaining a trusted, discreet and pragmatic HR advisor?
Do you thrive in regulated, performance-driven businesses where HR must combine hands-on delivery with strategic workforce thinking?
MacGregor Black are partnering with a growing global logistics and technical services organisation in the search for a commercially astute HR Business Partner to strengthen their people function and support operational performance. This is a permanent role based in Darlington.
This is a senior, hands-on HR Business Partner position requiring both operational depth and strategic perspective. You will partner closely with leaders across warehouse operations, technical teams and corporate functions, delivering a proactive, compliant and commercially aligned HR service across the full employee lifecycle.
The environment is fast-moving, audit-sensitive and performance-focused - requiring sound judgement, discretion and the confidence to challenge appropriately.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end management of complex employee relations cases including investigations, disciplinary, grievance and absence processes.
- Provide pragmatic, risk-aware advice to managers on UK Employment Law, policy interpretation and best practice.
- Oversee onboarding, probation management, performance improvement and employee development processes.
- Maintain robust employee records, contractual documentation and HR system accuracy in line with compliance standards.
- Partner with operational and technical leaders to support workforce planning and recruitment.
- Support attraction and retention strategies within a skills-driven environment.
- Contribute to succession planning and capability development initiatives.
- Ensure HR processes meet UK Employment Law requirements and internal regulatory standards.
- Support internal audits and workforce compliance activity.
- Maintain and interpret HR metrics including attendance, turnover and training data.
- Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees.
- Support organisational change, growth initiatives and structural development.
- Contribute to HR projects, systems enhancements and process optimisation.
- Help embed a high-performance, accountable and collaborative culture aligned to operational delivery.
What We’re Looking For:
- 6–8 years’ progressive HR generalist experience, operating at a Business Partner level.
- Strong and up-to-date knowledge of UK Employment Law.
- Demonstrable experience managing complex employee relations matters through to conclusion.
- Experience within regulated operational environments such as logistics, engineering, supply chain, technical services, manufacturing or similar.
- CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards).
- Commercially aware and confident influencing senior stakeholders.
- Comfortable working autonomously in a fast-paced operational setting.
- High attention to detail with strong governance discipline.
- Experience supporting change, transformation or HR system improvements.
- Professional, discreet and resilient.
Salary: £50,000+ plus benefits
For more information, please contact Alice Redmond.