HR Business Partner

About The Role

McCain Foods is seeking a seasoned HR Business Partner to join their team based in Timaru, Canterbury, New Zealand. This full-time role involves strategic and operational HR responsibilities with a focus on partnering closely with manufacturing leadership to influence business results and enhance employee experience. The position requires a strong onsite presence to foster trusted relationships across all organizational levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business leaders to develop and execute people strategies aligned with company goals.
• Provide expert advice and support on a variety of HR issues, combining strategic insight with practical implementation.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and talent retention efforts to ensure a skilled workforce.
• Support leadership in developing high-performing and engaged teams.
• Drive initiatives related to employee engagement, culture, wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, and retention.
• Oversee leadership effectiveness, talent conversations, succession planning, and development programs.
• Manage employee and labor relations, including performance management, investigations, and disciplinary procedures, ensuring compliance and fairness.
• Contribute to collective bargaining and maintain positive union relations specific to the site.
• Handle daily HR case management and coordinate essential HR processes through systems like SAP, ServiceNow, and SuccessFactors.
• Use data insights to recognize trends, support decision-making, and promote continuous improvement.
• Operate with autonomy to prioritize tasks and identify opportunities to add value.
• Lead HR projects and initiatives to successful completion.
• Maintain strong visibility and trusted partnerships with both leaders and employees on site.

Required Qualifications and Attributes

• Demonstrated experience in HR roles such as HR Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor, or HR Specialist.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related discipline is preferred.
• Robust generalist HR skills covering recruitment, employee relations, engagement, performance management, and HR processes.
• Proven ability to influence and coach leaders to achieve positive outcomes.
• In-depth knowledge of employee relations and employment law with confidence managing complex people matters.
• Familiarity with digital HR platforms including SAP and SuccessFactors for case management and HR operations.
• Exemplary relationship-building, communication skills, sound judgment, and integrity.
• Proactive problem-solving approach with the ability to challenge constructively.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills to handle competing demands effectively.
• Passion for people, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional employee experiences.
• Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, or unionised environments is an advantage but not mandatory.

Additional Information

This is a full-time role based entirely on-site at the Timaru facility to maintain strong engagement and support to the workforce. McCain Foods emphasizes a culture of authenticity, collaboration, innovation, and ownership aligned with AI and digital transformation initiatives. The company is committed to equal opportunity employment, diversity, and inclusion. Accessibility accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process. McCain leverages AI in hiring, with all final decisions made by humans, ensuring fairness and privacy.