Human Resources Roles within the Food Industry

A high calibre Human Resources department is vital to the success of any food manufacturing company. The ability to hire the correct employees, structure the training and development of all members of the organisation and support the business strategy are all essential to ensure the smooth and successful running of the business.

Human Resources professionals need to be strong motivators, have drive, energy and enthusiasm and excellent interpersonal skills.

Human Resources Jobs in the Food Industry

Head of HR

The Head of HR should have the proven ability to lead the change effort in the organisation as a whole. The HR Head must show confidence in empowering employees and have the ability to obtain a commitment to change from top management.

HR Controller

Responsible for making a measurable contribution to, and support of, the delivery of the business strategy and plans through the development and professional implementation of a progressive HR agenda which links the people contribution directly to the business objectives. The HR Controller will be accountable for business improvement through people, developing senior personnel and fostering a strong entrepreneurial culture in partnership with the General Manager.

HR Manager

The HR Manager role will involve employee relations, recruitment and organisational development and as such impressive and persuasive communication skills are required. The HR Manager must have a strong working knowledge of HR legislation and be prepared to keep up-to-date of any legislative changes.

Training Manager

Ensure that training and development at all levels of employees is effective and meets individual, departmental and business needs and supports the business strategy. The Training and Development Manager will be responsible for managing and developing a responsive, business focused training team and establish, update and deliver an agreed training strategy and plan which reflects the business objectives and strategy and helps deliver the desired culture within the organisation.

Human Resources departments in the Food industry are currently working hard to change perceptions and to attract and retain talent. Many organisations across the industry offer structured graduate training programmes, particularly in manufacture and retail. Many aspects of the food and drink industry are heavily driven by customer service. Opportunities for progression in the food and drink industry are generally very strong. Although entry into a variety of specialisms remains competitive, including HR, sales and engineering, a general shortage of skills offers great opportunities for early responsibility and accelerated development.

For Graduates wanting to join Human Resources departments of Food Manufacturers they need to be flexible in terms of location, as most HR Graduate Schemes offer a number of different placements within different business units and locations. On average Graduate Schemes run between two and three years. This provides HR Graduates the opportunity to gain practical work experience and relevant training, including working towards the CIPD.

We would look for Graduates who are business focussed, in terms of commercial acumen, and have strong interpersonal and influencing skills, as HR involves interaction with all areas of the business, including manufacturing, commercial, marketing, supply chain and product development.

The pace within food manufacturing is very fast so excellent organisational and project management skills are essential.

Graduates must be expecting or have attained at least a 2.1 Honours degree, ideally in business, human resource management or related degree or have relevant work experience.

We would look for Graduates with a knowledge and understanding of the core HR areas including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, employment law, pay management, development and succession.

For good Human Resources professionals wanting to join Food Manufacturers we would look for high calibre HR generalists who want to work as part of Site Management Teams and provide Business Partner support to ensure the ongoing development of HR best practices.

We look for strong HR Professionals who have worked across the HR spectrum. They will have experience of the development, management and support of strategic change initiatives, leading change programmes including restructuring. Resourcing, selection and management of talent, including the alignment of corporate strategies to local needs. Ability for assessing the efficiency of the Organisation's structure, culture, people, capabilities and consulting on ways for improvement. Success in the development and drive a positive performance culture and the management of Employee Relations, policies and practices. Development of positive working relationships between employees and the organisation within multi cultural unionised workforce.

CIPD qualified with a background in leading HR teams within fast paced environments within the FMCG sector that promotes HR best practice. The ability to strategically understand the value of HR service delivered to the business.