HR Generalist

About WH Scott Group

WH Scott Group is a group of safety-critical engineering businesses operating under the strapline "Safety Critical Solutions." Through WH Scott, the group delivers asset management, service inspection, and maintenance and repairs, alongside the design, manufacture, installation, and testing of lifting solutions and equipment. Its endorsed business units - Re-Ropes (Lift Industry Specialists) and Metlab (Materials Inspection, Testing & Assurance) - provide re-roping and lift/rope supplies, and materials testing, NDT, statutory pressure inspection, and accredited certification, respectively.

Purpose of the Role

We're looking for a proactive and personable HR Generalist to join WH Scott Group on-site and support the full employee lifecycle. Based at either our Erith (London) or Wickwar (Bristol) site, with regular travel to our other UK locations, this is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety - from day-to-day employee relations and policy work to onboarding and HR project delivery - within a fast-paced, people-focused environment. You'll work closely with a dedicated Talent Acquisition Specialist to support the recruitment function.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the first point of contact for employee queries relating to policies, benefits, and general HR matters

Partner with the Talent Acquisition Specialist on the recruitment function - supporting job description sign-off, hiring manager briefings, interview coordination, and candidate experience, while TA leads on sourcing, advertising, and screening

Lead new starter onboarding and induction processes to ensure a smooth first-90-days experience

Provide on-site HR support and visible presence across your base location and, on a monthly rotation, other UK sites

Support line managers with employee relations casework, including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, and performance improvement, ensuring compliance with UK employment law and ACAS guidance

Maintain accurate HR records and data on the HRIS, ensuring GDPR compliance

Support the annual cycles for performance reviews, salary benchmarking, and pay reviews

Draft and update HR policies and employee handbooks in line with current legislation

Coordinate learning and development activity, including training bookings and tracking completion

Prepare HR metrics and reports (e.g. turnover, absence, headcount) for senior leadership

Support wellbeing, diversity & inclusion, and employee engagement initiatives

Ensure right-to-work checks, contracts, and statutory documentation are completed accurately and on time

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

CIPD Level 5 (or working towards)

2-5 years' experience in a generalist HR role in the UK

Willingness to work on-site 5 days a week, with monthly travel to other UK sites (travel and expenses covered)

Must have own transport and a full UK driving licence, due to travel between sites

Must have the right to work in the UK

Desirable:

Experience supporting TUPE processes or organisational change/restructuring

Experience in an engineering, industrial, or asset management/inspection environment

Exposure to payroll processes

Key Competencies

Solid working knowledge of UK employment law and best practice

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust across all levels of the business

Excellent organisational skills and high attention to detail

Confident using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office (Excel in particular)

Discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information

Comfortable partnering with a Talent Acquisition specialist rather than owning full-cycle recruitment

What We Offer

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Subsidised gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing programme

Cycle to Work scheme and other tax-saver incentives

Travel expenses covered for site visits

Ongoing professional development, including CIPD study support

The opportunity to be part of a growing team across the UK and ROI

WH Scott Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.