The title
This role can exist under the title of HR business partner, a role generally differentiated by a closer alignment to the business, and usually with no team reporting in.
What you need
You will have a good first degree, usually in HR, social sciences or law. A masters degree in law or an HR-related subject is an advantage, but not essential. A graduate or member of the CIPD, you will have a minimum of five years’ generalist HR experience, operating at a senior level. A pharmaceutical background is advantageous – in particular, past experience of working with technical staff, such as lab technicians.
For processing sites, industry-specific experience of manufacturing is usually essential. You will need effective problem management and resolution skills, as well as a thorough understanding of employment law (particularly disciplinary, grievance and performance management) and be able to deal effectively with all levels of management.
What is involved
Your day-to-day role will be very different depending on your environment – you could be at a head office or on a manufacturing site. Larger companies tend to have head-office functions, where you will spend a lot of time working with professionally qualified chemists at a strategic level, or managing a specific department. On a manufacturing site, there will usually be strong links with health and safety and trade unions.
You will provide a generalist HR service, encompassing recruitment and selection (including job analysis, job descriptions, job postings and interviews), employee relations, change management, performance management and discipline and grievance.
You will play an active role with the business and support business strategy and objectives, requiring strategic and operational skills and ability.
