Job description

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

HR Advisor- Dulux Decorator Centre
Competitive salary plus market-leading benefits package
Location: Altrincham- Manchester. UK. (with hybrid working)
Full time

We’re looking for an HR Advisor to play a key role in delivering high-quality, operational HR support across AkzoNobel UK. In this role, you’ll provide expert employee relations guidance to managers and employees, take ownership of case management, and help build capability across the business through coaching and practical HR support.

At AkzoNobel, we’re proud of our collaborative, people-first culture. You’ll join a connected HR team where your ability to balance sound judgement, employment law knowledge, and a pragmatic approach will directly shape the employee experience. This is a role where your influence will be felt across the business every day.

What you’ll do:
• Provide day-to-day HR support to managers and employees across the UK business.
• Take ownership of a range of employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, medical capability, and parental leave.
• Coach and guide managers through HR policies and processes, building confidence and capability in people management.
• Provide clear, balanced, and legally sound advice aligned to company values and best practice.
• Support and advise on workplace investigations, including assessment of risk and potential outcomes (including dismissals where appropriate).
• Liaise with Occupational Health and other stakeholders to support effective case management.
• Proactively manage ER casework, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate escalation where required.
• Plan and deliver HR and ER training sessions for line managers.
• Provide HR support and advice to employees on a range of workplace issues.
• Review, update, and implement HR policies and procedures in line with UK employment legislation.
• Develop practical guidance and supporting materials to help managers and employees navigate HR processes more effectively.
• Support payroll coordination by reporting monthly changes and producing relevant compensation calculations (e.g. redundancy, holiday, sickness). • Contribute to UK HR priorities and cross-functional HR projects.
• Support the delivery of a consistent HR service across the “One Paints & Coatings” model.
• Promote and role model AkzoNobel values and leadership behaviours.
• Support awareness of the Speak Up process and participate in investigations where required.

What you bring:
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience in a fast-paced HR or operational environment.
• Exposure to multi-site or complex organisational structures.
• Confidence managing employee relations cases from end to end.
• Strong coaching skills with the ability to influence and challenge managers constructively.
• Ability to analyse complex issues and provide practical, commercially sound solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Who you are:
• A confident, resilient HR professional who is comfortable challenging and coaching others.
• Calm, pragmatic, and solutions-focused in your approach.
• A trusted advisor who builds strong relationships at all levels.
• Organised, detail-focused, and able to manage complexity effectively.
• Collaborative and comfortable working across a matrix environment.
• Motivated by improving people processes and driving operational excellence.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com