HR Manager (Contract)

We are looking for a dynamic and engaging HR Manager to join our HR team to support the Global Sensory Department at MMR, based in our Wallingford, Oxfordshire office for a 15 month contract.

MMR is an independent, global company specialising in food, drink and consumer packaged goods research. We work regularly with over 50% of the top 100 global food and drink brands. The HR team (based in the UK and South Africa) supports 900+ highly engaged, multi-disciplined employees across the globe, who are based in the UK, US, The Netherlands, China, Singapore, India, Thailand, South Africa, Colombia and Brazil.

MMR has built a great reputation and world-class capability in the sensory area. We are the leading experts in our field, with 30+ sensory panels in different markets, including the US, UK, Netherlands, India, China, and Singapore, with big plans to expand to other markets due to increasing demand. We have employees at our own Sensory Science Centres as well as those located on site at our client offices.

We are a "people first" company that prides itself on collaboration, honesty and mutual trust. A company who obtained fantastic feedback for company engagement and team spirit in a recent employee study with about 90% of employees stating they're happy to work for MMR (2024).

Purpose of the role:

We are looking for a highly skilled HR Manager to join our proactive and energetic Global HR Team, taking the lead and supporting our team of sensory experts and sensory panellists in the Global Sensory Department, whilst the current HR Manager is on maternity leave. We would ideally like the role to start in January 2025, so there is a 2-month handover period before the maternity leave which would begin in March 2025. The contract would be for a 15 months period.

You will be part of an exceptional team who offer unprecedented support, while still operating in a truly autonomous manner. If you are truly motivated by getting things done and fully prepared to take on all the tasks that will see this happen, this is the job for you.

 What you will be doing:

• Acting as the dedicated HR Business Partner for the Sensory Department, you will be the first point of contact for all employees and managers (based in the UK, US, Singapore, Netherlands, India and China), providing expert advice on all day-to-day HR generalist matters across the full HR lifecycle
• Providing comprehensive working knowledge of the Netherlands and one or more of our countries (UK, US, Singapore, China and India) and Dutch Legislation to provide full guidance on governmental compliance and keeping abreast of existing policies and procedures, as well as providing support with grievance and disciplinary matters
• Updating company policies for the Netherlands to ensure they are culturally sensitive and legally compliant across the region, continuously monitoring legal updates and regulatory changes and liaising with local 3rd parties to administer the relevant benefits to employees, including pension and travel allowance in the Netherlands
• Ensuring that MMR Health & Safety and Absence protocols is adhered to in the Netherlands
• Facilitating the meetings with the Works Council in the Netherlands
• Researching potential new markets and advising Sensory Directors on the feasibility of setting up a sensory panel in a new country, from a recruitment and employment law perspective
• Serving as the primary HR liaison for Sensory Directors during new client panel recruitment and transfer processes, providing HR consultation and guidance throughout the panel onboarding lifecycle, including initial quotation and set up phases. This involves full management from an HR perspective; encompassing compliance and legal framework implementation, guidance on the timeframes, advice on potential legal risks and mitigation strategies and ensuring all of the necessary paperwork is administered, so that a new panel is onboarded in a smooth and efficient manner
• Working in partnership with managers to ensure that employees are adequately onboarded, supported and trained to carry out their roles while working collaboratively with other divisions.
• Working with the HR administrators (based in South Africa) to ensure that all the necessary personnel administration is carried out in an efficient and timely manner, and in compliance with the relevant employment legislation
• Providing unprecedented, approachable and expert support and guidance for managers and employees to drive and uphold the culture of the Company.
• Assisting in making sure payroll has been successfully processed for the sensory panellists
• Working closely with the Global HR team to assist in implementing HR initiatives with the sensory teams.

You know you're right for this role if...

• You have a proven ability to influence and drive change with business leadership team: being a self-starter and demonstrating assertiveness and confidence.
• You have knowledge of Dutch employment law and practices
• You demonstrate gravitas to work closely with the Sensory Leadership team and influence their decision making.
• You have proven knowledge of, and experience with, a wide array of HR programs and practices including performance management, compensation, coaching, employee relations, and organizational development in the Netherlands and ideally, markets, such as UK, US, Singapore, India and China.
• You possess strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• You demonstrate a strong understanding of different HR tools, such as HRIS, reward management, training and development.
• You have excellent communication skills, are articulate and possess and drive for true credibility and integrity.
• You demonstrate proficiency in managing cross-cultural workplace dynamics
• You have an approach which is adaptable, positive, engaging and a true desire to get things done. You really are prepared to roll your sleeves up and are happy to do all the tasks needed to produce great work. 
• You have a proven experience in a HR generalist role - you really must have working appreciation of all fields within HR.
• Fluent in English, written and spoken.

Benefits

At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world!

We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits to enhance your experience with us. Competitive salaries, ample holiday allowances, and unparalleled training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee well-being is what makes MMR truly shine.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Apply now!