The posting
Actual Talent is the talent acquisition consultancy that offers Executive Search, RPO and Talent Solutions.
About the client:
Our client is a global food company based in Barcelona, Spain, operates in over 50 countries across Europe and Africa, offering more than 30 local brands.
Job description:
We are looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to join a manufacturing company at its Agrate Brianza factory in Italy on a temporary, fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.
As part of the HR Europe team, you will combine strategic business partnering with hands-on HR management, supporting factory leaders and employees. You will align site HvaR activities with Italian and European HR priorities, ensuring compliance with labour laws and company policies while supporting operational excellence, organisational effectiveness and cost control.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic HR Partnership: Advise the Factory Management Team and implement HR strategies aligned with local and European priorities.
- Employee Relations: Maintain strong relationships with employees, employee representatives and unions, together with the HR Director. Manage employee relations issues, grievances, disciplinary processes and conflict resolution.
- Compliance & Policies: Ensure compliance with labour laws, health and safety regulations, and company policies, guiding managers in their daily application.
- Recruitment & Onboarding: Support hiring managers in defining staffing needs and recruitment processes, and oversee the onboarding experience for new employees.
- Talent & Performance Management: Support talent development, retention, succession planning and career growth. Guide managers in performance management and leadership development.
- Training & Capability Building: Identify skills gaps, coordinate training programmes, manage training budgets and funds, and promote continuous improvement and upskilling.
- Employee Engagement & Culture: Implement engagement initiatives and support the engagement champion in developing action plans for leadership validation. Promote collaboration, safety, inclusion and employee well-being.
- Organisational Development: Support transformation, change management and the development of organisational structures and capabilities.
- Budget & HR Reporting: Oversee HR budgets and cost control. Monitor turnover, absenteeism, engagement and HR costs, providing reports and insights to management and relevant institutions.
- Collaboration & External Partners: Work with European HR colleagues and cross-functional teams, coordinate payroll providers and labour law advisors, and implement European projects locally, including DEI, training, engagement and rewards.
Requirements:
- At least five years of experience as an HR Business Partner in a factory environment.
- Strong knowledge of Italian labour law, health and safety regulations, and industrial relations.
- Experience working with trade unions and employee representatives.
- Advanced proficiency in both Italian and English.
- Availability to work on-site at the Agrate Brianza factory.
- Access to your own car is preferred to facilitate commuting to the factory.
We also value the following competencies:
- Business Acumen: Understanding the factory’s operational and financial drivers to align HR strategies with business objectives.
- Communication & Negotiation: Strong communication, facilitation and negotiation skills.
- Leadership Influence: Ability to influence leaders and build strong relationships at all levels of the organisation.
- Employee Advocacy: Promoting a positive employee experience while balancing business needs.
- Problem Solving: Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Change Management: Ability to support and facilitate organisational change effectively.
- Analytical Thinking: Using data and insights to inform decisions and solve complex problems.
- Resilience Under Pressure: Remaining composed and effective in a demanding environment.



