What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Lead HR Generalist - Cambridge UK

Hub and Hybrid - office based 2 days per week

As part of Illumina’s People Support and Care (PS&C) Human Resources function, the Lead HR Generalist serves as advisor and coach to business management and helps address employee relations and performance management needs, interprets and applies policy, and supports organizational change and crisis management. Additionally, the Lead HR Generalist will assist with the roll out of HR initiatives and assist leaders during the implementation of HR plans and programs in partnership with Illumina’s HR Business Partner platform. 

The role works in close partnership with other HR team members and Illumina management to guide and execute effective processes and procedures related to workforce management, while ensuring compliance with regional laws and regulations. The role supports the development of HR metrics, data management, analysis and reporting to influence proactive action. Additionally, the role may serve as a project consultant, guiding the planning and execution of assigned projects from initiation through delivery. 

Closing date for applications - Friday 21st February 2025

Illumina's employee benefits are industry-leading and include flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassion and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, employee stock purchasing program, volunteer time off, and much more!

Why you

To be successful in this role you will have extensive international HR experience with a strong focus on handling employee relations across multiple regions, understanding cultural differences and navigating different employment laws across Europe.   You will have experience guiding legal compliance and managing risk, demonstrated knowledge of HRIS systems, including the ongoing maintenance of system configurations to align with HR processes – experience in Workday is a plus. You will have previously supported strategic HR initiatives and experience with country workers councils is highly desirable. 

A this is a lead role, you must demonstrate the ability work independently and with a team in a dynamic environment, with the ability to influence all levels of management.

Tasks and Responsibilities include

Employee relations 

Provide a dedicated and effective HR advisory service to employees that covers absence and health issues, conduct and capability, grievances, organisational change, and all other employee-relations matters across Europe Serve as a subject matter expert on employee relations; investigate and resolve complex employee relations issues, including claims of harassment and/or discrimination Provide high quality HR advice and guidance on complex employment issues to both individuals and groups of staff and implements employee relations interventions that have a demonstrable impact on organization success Act as an advocate for employees Managing employee relations, responding to any escalated queries or problems that they have. Being an escalation point for People Help & Answers Tier 1 support. 

Policies and procedures 

Have a clear understanding of the business objectives and devise and implement policies that support them Monitor, review and update all HR policies and ensuring these are in line with current legislation Assist in the communication and interpretation of employee policies Advise line managers in how to implement policies and procedures Ensures compliance with regulatory/legal requirements and company policies/procedures across region and countries 

Employee and manager advice and coaching 

Providing coaching and advice to management on employee relations and performance management issues Provide coaching and feedback on how to improve individual and team performance to employees and management Analyse employee relations trends and metrics to develop solutions, programs, and policies. Support and coach more junior members of the team 

Project and programme executive 

Implement programs to improve the employee experience of the organisation as a workplace Provide advice and play a major role in work reviews and change processes Guide change management in support of organization changes Assist with crisis management in partnership with company management and emergency management teams Participate in cross-functional work groups to gain and offer HR insight on business and operational challenges Delivery of training within Europe, including HR induction, processes and procedures and some skills-based training. 

Knowledge 

Knowledge and expertise in HR and employment law in Europe Extensive understanding of national and local employment law in Europe and its application Strong expertise in employee relations and performance management Knowledge of the application of HR policy in alignment with the compliance landscape A deep understanding of DEI principles and their impact on workplace culture. Requires solid foundational knowledge and experience across various HR disciplines including talent management, performance management, recruitment, compensation, leave of absences, and HR systems 

Skills 

Influence – the ability to influence and advise senior leaders on complex employee relations and performance management issues. Exceptional communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are required for handing sensitive conversations and building trust with employees and leaders. Demonstratable experience in the use of conflict resolution techniques, including a strong sense of empathy, neutrality and confidentiality. Analytical and data driven – strong experience in using HR metrics and data to identify action items and drive decision-making. Extensive change management - the ability to guide and occasionally lead change initiatives across multiple jurisdictions including restructuring, cultural transformation and adapting to new regulatory requirements. Project management – skilled in planning, coordinating and executing HR projects. Demonstrates the ability to navigate and thrive in ambiguous situations, making sound decisions and maintaining productivity when faced with incomplete or evolving information. 

What can you expect

Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated - they are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. To attract the best and brightest, we offer a competitive employee benefits program. We view it as a smart investment in our people, one that recognises the tremendous value they bring to our business every day. At Illumina, we push boundaries. We think beyond the conventional. We dream big. With the energy of so many bright and accomplished people, the opportunities are endless.

Illumina believes that everyone has the ability to make an impact, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.