HR Manager

Kepak Group is one of Europe’s leading food companies, employing over 4,500 people across Ireland and the UK with a turnover of €1.75bn. We supply high-quality meat and protein products to major retail and foodservice customers through trusted brands including Rustlers, Big Al’s, and John Stone.

Our Retail Business Unit in Merthyr Tydfil plays a key role in delivering high volume, high quality meat products to major UK retailers. Operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, the site focuses on production efficiency, food safety, product quality, and continuous improvement across multiple retail production lines.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Human Resources Manager to join our Retail team in Merthyr Tydfil. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will play a central part in delivering our People Agenda within a fast-paced retail manufacturing environment. As part of the Site Leadership Team, you will help shape and implement site people strategy, strengthen organisational effectiveness, support change management and foster a high-performance culture. A core focus of the role will be partnering with operational stakeholders across production to deliver strategic HR initiatives and business improvement projects that support operational priorities and drive measurable results. You will be part of a site HR team and wider divisional HR team across the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with site leadership to shape and deliver the People Strategy aligned to operational and commercial objectives within a high-volume retail manufacturing environment.
• Deliver strategic HR initiatives and organisational change programmes that support site performance, workforce capability, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with the site leadership team, influencing and supporting to develop effective people management practices.
• Oversee the service delivery of the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, engagement, and development across a shift-based production workforce.
• Effectively manage and develop the Retail HR team, working seamlessly with the Primary HR team at the same site.
• Provide expert guidance on Employee Relations, managing complex cases and supporting managers in maintaining fair, compliant, and consistent processes.

Requirements

• Proven HR management and partnering experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, or another fast-paced production environment.
• Significant project management and delivery experience aligned with the People Strategy.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex Employee Relations cases and supporting organisational change initiatives.
• Experience partnering with site leadership teams in a manufacturing or production setting.
• Strong influencing and communication skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and lead through change.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and other benefits.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities to shape HR strategy and make a real impact on our business.
• Access to company initiatives that promote wellbeing, engagement, and work-life balance

Apply now if you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy delivering strategic projects, and are passionate about shaping HR initiatives that support operational success.

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