Operations HR Partner

Operations HR Partner

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Are you passionate about driving people-focused strategies and fostering a culture of excellence? We're looking for a dynamic HR Partner to join our team at Desford, supporting both our Desford and Stockton sites within the Building Construction Products (BCP) division. In this pivotal role, you'll work closely with site leadership and HR colleagues to deliver impactful solutions across talent development, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

As an Operations HR Partner, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

• People Management & Employee Relations: Partner with operational leaders to proactively support their people management agenda. Act as a trusted advisor on HR policies and employment legislation, providing expert guidance on complex employee relations cases and ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
• HR Systems & Data Analysis: Oversee HR systems (e.g. Workday), ensuring data accuracy, timely approvals, and effective absence tracking. Use system insights to provide data-driven recommendations to senior leaders on key people topics such as retention, turnover, and training needs. Strategic Workforce Planning: Lead workforce planning activities, including succession planning, to ensure the organisation is equipped with the right talent and capabilities to support future growth. Leadership Development & Standards: Coach and upskill leaders on people management processes and policies, with a strong focus on enabling leader-led resolution and embedding best practice across the organisation.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

What You Can Demonstrate:

• Interpersonal Relationships: Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach, working confidently with colleagues and Trade Union representatives. Able to adapt your style, listen actively, and contribute to a positive working environment.
• Data Gathering and Reporting: Working knowledge of data tools and techniques, with the ability to spot trends, interpret findings, and produce clear reports that support decision-making.
• Employee Relations: Skilled in handling day-to-day employee relations matters, including grievances and policy queries, with a fair and consistent approach. Confident in working with Trade Unions and understanding employment legislation.
• HR Policies, Standards and Procedures: Able to apply HR policies and procedures in practice, ensuring compliance and supporting improvements. Comfortable maintaining standards and contributing to the development of effective HR processes.

What You May Have:

• CIPD qualification, with a solid grounding in HR principles and practice.
• Working knowledge of Workday or similar HRIS platforms.
• Confidence using Office 365 tools, including Power Apps, to support process improvement.
• Skilled in working in unionised environments, with an understanding of labour relations and collaborative negotiation.
• Ability to lead projects and coordinate teams effectively.
• Exposure in a similar organisation, ideally within a complex or fast-paced setting.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It's your time and talent, make it count.

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Benefits: 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy and sell, 10% bonus, contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%, contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc

Travel: 5% occasional travel to Stockton