Job Description
What is the job?
The HR Business Partner (HRBP) provides practical, credible HR support to leaders and managers, enabling them to manage their teams confidently and consistently. This interim role is highly operational, and we are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and deliver immediate impact. The role places a strong emphasis on employee relations management, leadership coaching and the continuous improvement of people practices, supporting both day-to-day operational delivery and longer-term organisational effectiveness. The successful individual will have a strong background in a manufacturing or within an operational environment.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)
Interview process: 2⁄3 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams Values interview.
Second stage: 1 hour Teams interview.
Third stage: OnSite 2 hour interview.
What we would like you to do/ to see…
Operational HR Support & Workforce Delivery
· Build effective working relationships with leaders through regular shopfloor presence
· Support managers
· Provide practical HR input into short‑term organisational changes
Employee Relations & Case Management
· Provide hands‑on HR advice on employee relations matters
· Support and guide managers through ER processes, reinforcing policy compliance
Leadership Support & Behavioural Standards
· Support line managers in applying expected standards of behaviour
· Provide practical coaching and guidance to managers
· Reinforce consistent decision‑making at manager level by clarifying policies, procedures and management responsibilities.
· Participate in manager briefings, discussions
Performance, Capability & Development Support
· Support the delivery of annual and mid‑year performance review processes
· Provide guidance to managers on managing underperformance and capability issues in line with policy.
HR Operations, Process Adherence & HRIS Usage
· Work closely with HR Operations to ensure consistent application of HR processes and procedures across teams and shifts.
Engagement, Communication & Change Support
· Support the communication and rollout of people‑related initiatives, policy updates and changes, ensuring managers understand what is required of them.
· Provide HR support during short‑term change activity, including restructures, consultations and team changes.
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?
It’s a hybrid role, working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home. Our purpose-built facility is just 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 is essential to us…
- CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience)
- HR advisory or business partnering experience
- Strong ER background with experience in complex cases
- Experience working in fast‑paced or operational environments
- Ability to interpret data to support decisions
- Manufacturing, engineering or technical sector experience
- Experience implementing HRIS systems or digital transformation
- LEAN methodology training or exposure
- Strong understanding of UK employment law
- Excellent communication; clear, transparent, and supportive
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-1926
Commitment bonus to be paid at the end of the contract if the relevant criteria has been met. Further information available from [email protected]
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 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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 [email protected].
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.
