How it differs from HR officer roles… In day-to-day practice, the titles of HR officer and HR adviser tend to be used interchangeably. Where employers differentiate between the two tends to be around the skills, personality and experience needed.
What you will need to succeed… Possessing a robust personality, you will be CIPD-qualified or studying towards the final section of the CIPD qualification. This is a generalist role, but you will need to have a particular interest in, and experience of, employment law, as much of the activity in manufacturing is around absence management and disciplinary and grievance issues. In more progressive organisations, where a business partner approach is adopted, individuals will coach and develop managers through the processes.
What differentiates this from HR adviser roles in other industries… The culture – many manufacturing facilities operate a 24-7 production line and require HR to be flexible in its approach to meet business needs.
What is involved… You will provide day-to-day support and advice on site policies and procedures – for example, the correct implementation of disciplinary procedures. You will also ensure appropriate procedural steps are followed, control the recruitment process and identify and deliver training for managers and the workforce.
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Prospects … The generalist nature of the role leaves opportunities open in other sectors and industries, while experience gained within manufacturing confers an advantage for moving within the industry (such as an HR manager role), where sector specific experience can be vital.
