The Opportunity:HR Business Partner – UK & Ireland Avantor – Powering the Future of Life SciencesAvantor’s Lab and Production Services (LPS) team is the engine behind our customers’ scientific and manufacturing success. LPS delivers on‑site laboratory, production, and operational support across world‑leading research, biopharma, and advanced technology environments. As our HR Business Partner for UK & Ireland, you’ll support the people who keep these critical scientific operations running.This is a fully remote role, ideally based near Cambridge or Stevenage, with regular UK travel and ad‑hoc travel to Ireland, so full flexibility is essential.You will report directly to the HR Manager UK & Ireland.The OpportunityYou’ll partner with the UK HRSP and HRBP LPS Europe to deliver HR support across a population of 350 colleagues in the UK and 50 in Ireland. You’ll be the key HR contact for LPS teams, engineers, and Managers in both the UK and Ireland, supporting them with day‑to‑day HR needs and BAU activity.This role blends hands‑on operational HR with the opportunity to grow your strategic capability in a global life sciences organisation.What You’ll Be DoingStrategic HR SupportDeliver HR initiatives aligned with business needs across UK & Ireland.Partner with global HRBPs and Centres of Excellence to support regional goals.Provide guidance on HR processes, policies, and best practices.Support engagement, communication, and change initiatives across multiple sites.Build strong relationships with Managers in both countries.
Employee Relations & ComplianceAct as the primary contact for escalated ER matters across UK & Ireland LPS sites.Lead consistent ER processes, investigations, and case management.Support conflict resolution, grievances, and disciplinary actions.Ensure compliance with UK and Irish employment legislation.Rework and align Irish policies using appropriate legal resources.
Absence, Wellbeing & Occupational HealthOwn absence management across LPS, including long‑term sickness support.Partner with Occupational Health and H&S to support wellbeing.Implement reasonable adjustments, including mental health and chronic conditions.Align Irish absence processes with UK frameworks.
Onboarding & ComplianceConduct Horus screening, RTW checks (via third-party portal), and OH screeningEnsure accurate new starter documentation and requisition management.Support compliance processes, including those handled by HRSSC.
Projects & Operational ExcellenceSupport HR due diligence for M&A activity.Contribute to enterprise-wide HR initiatives and process improvements.Help track HR metrics and support data reporting.Assist with transitioning work to HRSSC or overseas teams.
What You Bring5+ years of HR experience, ideally in a generalist or multi‑site role.Strong ER capability and confidence handling complex cases.Knowledge of UK employment law; Irish employment law highly desirable.Strong data and HR systems skills.Ability to balance hands‑on admin with strategic support.A full driving licence and flexibility to travel weekly in the UK and ad‑hoc to Ireland.A proactive, detail‑focused approach and a desire to grow as an HRBP
Who you are
You’re organised, people‑focused, and comfortable working independently in a fully remote role. You enjoy variety, build trust quickly, and thrive in environments where science, operations, and service delivery come together. You’re motivated by supporting teams who contribute to meaningful scientific and operational outcomes.
Your First 3–6 MonthsTake ownership of absence management across LPS.Build strong relationships with Managers across the UK and Ireland.Integrate H&S into HR processes.Streamline OH and absence processes across both countries.Establish credibility within the LPS Ireland environment.
Ready to Join Avantor?If you want to support teams shaping the future of science — and grow your HR career in a global, purpose‑driven organisation — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us advance science for a better world.Disclaimer:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Why Avantor?Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!EEO Statement:We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.Privacy Policy:We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.
Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.
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