HR Manager

Job Overview

The HR Manager leads the local HR team and owns the people strategy aligned with the UK business strategy. The role implements global and European HR strategies, partners with management and international stakeholders, and delivers people practices that attract, retain and motivate employees while ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Department: HR

Leadership Role: Yes – 3 direct reports

Interview Process: 2–3 stage process following shortlisting: 1‑hour Teams interview (stage 1), optional second Teams interview (stage 2), onsite 2–3 hour interview (stage 3)

Thorlabs is a global, industry‑leading optical technologies company with 22 facilities across 9 countries. In Ely we produce Motion Control and Optical Tables.

Hybrid role based in the new purpose‑built facility in Witchford Ely, 12 miles from Cambridge. Public transport links to Ely train station and Ely bus station are available.

• Leadership (40%)
  • Functional and disciplinary leadership of the local HR, Facility and Travel teams
  • Task allocation, goal setting, feedback and development of team members
  • Annual reviews, performance evaluations and absence management
  • Leading change management initiatives and driving professional growth of the HR team
• Operational & Strategic HR Work (60%)
  • Implement Global and European HR strategies at the local level and develop the UK people strategy
  • Partner with local management as advisor, coach and strategic partner
  • Collaborate with European functional leaders (Sales, Logistics, etc.)
  • Advise on labour law, compliance and best practices
  • Payroll and HR controlling – accurate and timely payroll execution, budget planning, KPI analysis and dashboard creation
  • Talent development and recruitment – training, learning programs, individual development plans and local recruitment process in partnership with global Talent Acquisition
  • Employer branding initiatives (Investors in People, accreditations)
  • HR projects & digitalisation – lead international projects, advance digital HR processes and tools, promote diversity, wellbeing and engagement initiatives
• Other Duties
  • Health & Safety – review risk assessments, provide inductions, ensure PPE compliance, conduct H&S inspections and accident reporting
  • Fire Marshal – check hazards, complete fire risk assessment actions and lead accident investigations

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field (CIPD Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification preferred)
• Proven HR management experience, including team leadership, employee development and strategic HR
• Strategic mindset with ability to align business strategy with people strategy
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR compliance and best practices
• Solid expertise in HR metrics reporting, controlling and HR systems (e.g. ADP, UKG, Dayforce, Oracle, SAP)
• Strong business acumen, results‑oriented mindset and excellent communication, negotiation and listening skills
• Leadership & coaching – inspire, motivate and develop team members
• Empathy for employees’ needs and challenges

Competitive salary, pension scheme, private health care, group life cover, group income protection and more.

Job reference: THOR-VC-1573. This is a rolling campaign – we will actively interview applicants and reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Apply early to secure a position.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old. All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.