HR Business Partner

12‑Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) HR Business Partner
Based in Frimley, UK

Hyster‑Yale Materials Handling is a global leader in the materials handling industry. We design, manufacture, sell, and support a comprehensive range of lift trucks, attachments, and power and technology solutions under the trusted Hyster® and Yale® brands. Across EMEA, we support a diverse and international workforce aligned to strong operational performance and customer excellence.

We are now recruiting an experienced HR Business Partner to join our EMEA HR team on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, covering maternity leave.

About the Role

Based in Frimley, UK, this role provides comprehensive HR advice, guidance, and operational support to employees and managers across the EMEA Sales & Marketing organisation and assigned countries. The role has a strong Employee Relations focus and plays a key role in ensuring consistent application of HR policies, employment law compliance, and effective people management practices.

This role acts as the primary HR contact for UK employees, leading and managing employment matters.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations (Primary Focus)

• Lead and manage discipline, grievance, performance management, and capability cases from investigation through to outcome.

• Provide confident, legally compliant advice to managers, including representation and defence of decisions where challenged.

• Conduct mediation where appropriate as an alternative to formal processes.

• Manage absenteeism cases and liaise with occupational health and external specialists as required.

• Prepare documentation and support legal responses, including tribunal matters where necessary.

Recruitment, Selection & Projects

• Interview and appoint employees across EMEA Sales & Marketing locations.

• Design and implement effective recruitment solutions using appropriate sourcing methods, including social media.

• Maintain accurate vacancy and candidate records and support workforce planning and headcount analysis.

• Support the delivery of key global and strategic HR projects across EMEA.

• Carry out job evaluations and support talent management and succession planning processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Degree‑level qualification in Human Resources or related discipline, with CIPD qualification (Graduate/Chartered).

• 5–7 years’ experience in a generalist HR Business Partner role within a multi‑disciplinary environment.

• Strong, hands‑on experience in employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management.

• Working knowledge of UK employment law.

• Experience of HR systems and data management.

• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple operational priorities.

Desirable

• Experience working within an EMEA or international business environment.

• Exposure to job evaluation and formal talent management processes.

• Experience of European employment frameworks.

Additional Information

• 12‑month fixed‑term contract (Maternity Cover)

• Full‑time

• Based in Frimley, UK

The successful candidate will be subject background checks in line with company policy.