HR Manager 1573

What is the job

The HR Manager leads the local HR team and owns the people strategy which aligns with the business strategy for the UK. The Manager ensures the implementation of global and European HR strategies at national level. The role partners closely with management and international stakeholders to design and deliver people practices that attract retain and motivate employees while being compliant efficient and addition the position oversees Travel and to provide seamless support for employees and organizational goals.

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 First stage: 1 hour Teams interview

Possible Second stage: 1 hour Teams interview. Third stage: OnSite 2/3 hour interview

Who we are

Thorlabs is a global industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working

Its a hybrid role working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford Ely as well as your home. Ourpurpose-built facility isjust 12 miles from Cambridge within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What we would like you to do/ to see

Leadership (40%)

Team Leadership

Functional and disciplinary leadership of the local HR team Facility Team and Travel Team

Task allocation goal setting feedback sessions and development of team members

Conducting annual reviews performance evaluations and absence management

Supporting and leading change management initiatives within HR

Driving the professional growth of the HR team

Change Management

Supporting and guiding organizational change processes

Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders

Operational & Strategic HR Work (60%)

HR Strategy & Collaboration

Contributes to and implement Global and European HR strategies at the local level

Develop the UK people strategy

Acting as collaborative partner to local management in all HR-related and strategic matters; viewed as and advisor and coach

Close collaboration with European functional leaders (Sales Logistics etc.) Employment Law & Compliance

Advising management on labour law and compliance-related topics

Payroll & HR Controlling

Responsibility for accurate and timely payroll execution

Steering HR controlling processes (e.g. budget planning compensation cycles forecasts)

Analysing and preparing HR KPIs for data-driven decision-making

Creating reports and dashboards for management Talent Development & Recruitment

Supporting training planning learning programs and individual development plans

Managing the local recruitment process in close collaboration with the global Talent Acquisition team

Driving employer branding initiatives (such as Investors in People and other accreditations)

HR Projects & Digitalization

Leading and implementing site-specific as well as international HR projects

Supporting the advancement of digital HR processes and tools

Promoting initiatives around diversity wellbeing and employee engagement

Other duties:

Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members. Including the review and upkeep of all risk assessments identifying H&S training requirements providing inductions to new team members. Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting - this would include supporting and or leading accident investigations.

Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members. Including regular checks for hazards and issues completion of fire risk assessment actions ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices.

What is essential to us

Bachelors or Masters degree in Human Resources Business Administration or a related field

Or a higher level CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification.

Proven experience in HR management including team leadership employee development and strategic HR

Proven experience leading HR teams including developing and coaching the team

Strategic mindset with the ability to align business strategy with people strategies

Strong knowledge of UK employment law HR compliance and best practices

Solid expertise in HR metrics reporting and controlling

Proficient in HR systems (e.g. ADP UKG Dayforce Oracle SAP or similar)

Strong business acumen and results-oriented mindset

Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain trust-based positive relationships

Empathy: Strong understanding of employees needs and challenges

Negotiation Skills: Confident and goal-oriented negotiation in HR-related contexts balancing interests

Active Listening: Attentively listening to employees and team members

Leadership & Coaching: Ability to inspire motivate and develop team members

Communication Skills: Ability to present information create presentations and other communication materials. Facilitation skills a plus. Strong EQ.

What will you get

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking free refreshments as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are

Competitive Salary to attract the best plus an excellent benefits package including pension health care 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1573

This is a rolling campaign so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore if you are interested please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement further information is here School leaving age - ()

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

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd 204 Lancaster Way Business Park Ely Cambs CB6 3NX or e-mail

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Required Experience:

Manager