Lead People Partner

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead People Partner to join our dynamic People function! 

Finsbury Food Group is a leading speciality bakery manufacturer, supplying major retailers and foodservice providers across the UK. Whether it’s the morning toast, a centrepiece celebration cake, or teatime treats, our passion is baking brilliance to make every day special. 

As a Lead People Partner, you’ll play a crucial role in driving the people agenda across our bakery sites in Cardiff (Memory Lane Cakes), Pontypool (Ultrapharm), and Salisbury (Nicholas & Harris). You’ll work in complex, fast paced unionised environments, partnering with site leadership teams to shape and execute People strategies that support business goals, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

This is what you’ll actually do! 

• Develop and deliver the People strategy across the sites, focusing on engagement, retention, development and in alignment with the group approach.
• Partner with site leadership to deliver effective people solutions that align with business objectives.
• Lead employee relations and union engagement, ensuring strong, productive working relationships.
• Support and drive change management initiatives, fostering a positive and resilient workplace culture.
• Advise and coach managers on people-related matters, including performance, absence, and workforce planning.
• Ensure compliance with employment law, policies, and best practices.
• Collaborate with the wider People function to support talent development and succession planning. 

Ideally, this is you! 

• Proven Business Partner experience in a multi-site manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Strong experience in unionised settings, with expertise in employee relations and negotiations.
• Ability to balance strategic People initiatives with hands-on operational support.
• Experience in leading and developing a team.
• A track record of driving cultural and organisational change.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Willingness to travel regularly between sites.
• Ideally degree educated with CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent experience).