HR Manager - FTC; maternity cover

HR Manager - One Year FTC (maternity cover)

Type: Full Time

Function: HR

Location: Dewsbury

UNICAT Catalyst is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality catalysts and adsorbent materials. We serve industries worldwide, including oil, gas, petrochemical, DRI, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.

Our mission is built upon three core values:

Innovative Catalyst and Process Technology Partner
:
We drive progress through cutting‑edge solutions.

Dedicated Collaboration
:
We work closely with partners to develop effective solutions.

Adaptable and Flexible: We focus on enhancing customer profitability, sustainability, and efficiency.

• Free eye test (free pair of glasses worth up to £50)
• Yearly health check
• Discretionary Annual bonus Scheme
• Death-in-service benefit (up to three times annual salary)
• Pension (company matched up to 6%)
• Onsite parking

Position: HR Manager
- One Year FTC (maternity cover)

Location: Full‑time on‑site, Dewsbury

Hours: Monday - Thursday 08:30 - 17:00, Friday 08:30 - 16:00

The HR Manager will operate as a senior HR generalist in a multi‑site environment, providing comprehensive people support across UNICAT Catalyst’s UK operations. Reporting into senior leadership, the role will oversee the full employee lifecycle, deliver pragmatic HR advice, manage employee relations, support payroll cover, and drive engagement, learning and compliance initiatives.

The postholder will work closely with leaders across sites, acting as a trusted advisor while coaching and upskilling managers to confidently manage people matters in line with employment legislation and best practice.

• Act as the primary HR partner to site leaders, providing timely, practical advice on all HR and employee relations matters.
• Lead and support disciplinary, grievance, performance management and sickness absence processes, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
• Facilitate investigations and formal meetings, acting as HR advisor and note taker where required.
• Proactively analyse employee relations trends and absence data, working with managers to address root causes and reduce risk.

• Oversee onboarding processes, including HR systems setup and induction.
• Monitor and manage sickness absence records, trigger points and occupational health referrals.
• Ensure appraisal and performance review processes are implemented effectively and consistently.
• Maintain accurate HR records in line with GDPR and company policies.

• Provide cover and support for payroll processing during HR Officer absence (Sage experience desirable).
• Ensure HR practices, policies and procedures comply with UK employment legislation.
• Review, update and implement HR policies and contribute to HR handbook development.

• Support managers with training needs analysis and development planning.
• Track mandatory and role‑specific training, ensuring plans and reviews are completed on schedule.
• Liaise with external training providers and support delivery of development initiatives.
• Support employee engagement, wellbeing and benefits initiatives, benchmarking where appropriate.

• Support recruitment and onboarding activities in the absence of recruitment support.
• Contribute to HR projects, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide HR metrics and insights on absence, attrition, training and performance to senior stakeholders.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a generalist HR role
  , ideally within a multi‑site environment
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law
• Experience advising and influencing managers on complex people matters
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines