HR Officer

We are supporting a well‑established, independent manufacturing business based in Cardiff in the appointment of a standalone HR Officer. This is a hands‑on, operational role combining day‑to‑day HR generalist responsibilities with ownership of weekly payroll.

The business employs circa 90 people in total and operates in a fast‑paced, production‑led environment. This role will suit someone who is confident working autonomously, enjoys being close to the business, and is comfortable dealing with the realities of a reactive, shop‑floor‑focused HR setting.

Reporting into the Finance Manager and Commercial Director, the HR Officer will be responsible for delivering practical, legally compliant HR support across the business, alongside managing weekly payroll for hourly paid staff.

The role is approximately 70% HR / 30% payroll and is fully office‑based.

While this is a standalone HR role, the successful candidate will not be working in isolation. The business retains external HR consultancy support, providing access to professional guidance on complex matters. This offers reassurance and peace of mind, while still allowing the HR Officer to take full ownership of the day‑to‑day HR function.

• Acting as the first point of contact for all HR‑related queries across the business
• Supporting managers with absence management, disciplinary, grievance and performance matters
• Managing the full employee lifecycle, including contracts, onboarding, probation and leavers
• Maintaining accurate HR records, systems and documentation
• HR projects, including the introduction of a new performance appraisal framework
• Supporting line managers to improve people management capability through guidance and training

• Processing weekly payroll for c.70 hourly paid employees
• Managing time and attendance data via a clock‑in / clock‑out system
• Ensuring accurate payroll calculations, adjustments and compliance
• Acting as the main point of contact for payroll‑related queries
• Supporting the transition to a new payroll system

This role will suit a confident, resilient HR professional who is comfortable operating independently and engaging with production‑based line managers.

• Proven HR generalist experience in a standalone or highly autonomous role
• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience)
• A solid working knowledge of UK employment law
• The confidence to challenge, advise and support managers in a pragmatic way
• A solutions‑focused mindset and comfort with ambiguity
• Experience in operational, manufacturing or blue‑collar environments (highly advantageous)

Payroll experience is helpful but not essential as training and internal support will be provided.

This is a close‑knit, family‑orientated business with a strong sense of loyalty and stability. The environment is informal, direct and robust at times and while benefits are basic and the role is office‑based, the business is known for looking after its people, offering consistency, fairness and long‑term security.

• Office‑based role (Monday–Friday)
• Salary: £30,000–£38,000 DOE
• Free on‑site parking

To apply please submit your CV, salary details and relevant experience. Please email this to karenes reference _491.