Can you confidently lead complex employee relations cases from investigation to outcome, balancing commercial risk with legal compliance in a fast-paced operational environment?

Are you comfortable challenging and influencing senior operational leaders while remaining a trusted, discreet and pragmatic HR advisor?

Do you thrive in regulated, performance-driven businesses where HR must combine hands-on delivery with strategic workforce thinking?

MacGregor Black are partnering with a growing global logistics and technical services organisation in the search for a commercially astute HR Business Partner to strengthen their people function and support operational performance. This is a permanent role based in Darlington.

This is a senior, hands-on HR Business Partner position requiring both operational depth and strategic perspective. You will partner closely with leaders across warehouse operations, technical teams and corporate functions, delivering a proactive, compliant and commercially aligned HR service across the full employee lifecycle.

The environment is fast-moving, audit-sensitive and performance-focused - requiring sound judgement, discretion and the confidence to challenge appropriately.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end management of complex employee relations cases including investigations, disciplinary, grievance and absence processes.
• Provide pragmatic, risk-aware advice to managers on UK Employment Law, policy interpretation and best practice.
• Oversee onboarding, probation management, performance improvement and employee development processes.
• Maintain robust employee records, contractual documentation and HR system accuracy in line with compliance standards.
• Partner with operational and technical leaders to support workforce planning and recruitment.
• Support attraction and retention strategies within a skills-driven environment.
• Contribute to succession planning and capability development initiatives.
• Ensure HR processes meet UK Employment Law requirements and internal regulatory standards.
• Support internal audits and workforce compliance activity.
• Maintain and interpret HR metrics including attendance, turnover and training data.
• Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees.
• Support organisational change, growth initiatives and structural development.
• Contribute to HR projects, systems enhancements and process optimisation.
• Help embed a high-performance, accountable and collaborative culture aligned to operational delivery.

What We’re Looking For:

• 6–8 years’ progressive HR generalist experience, operating at a Business Partner level.
• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of UK Employment Law.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex employee relations matters through to conclusion.
• Experience within regulated operational environments such as logistics, engineering, supply chain, technical services, manufacturing or similar.
• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards).
• Commercially aware and confident influencing senior stakeholders.
• Comfortable working autonomously in a fast-paced operational setting.
• High attention to detail with strong governance discipline.
• Experience supporting change, transformation or HR system improvements.
• Professional, discreet and resilient.

Salary: £50,000+ plus benefits

For more information, please contact Alice Redmond.