Job Description

We're looking for an experienced and proactive

HR Manager

who wants to do more than just maintain the status quo. This is a

standalone leadership role

in a growing, complex business where you'll work closely with the Managing Director and department heads to drive improvements across every aspect of HR -- from policy and process to people development and payroll.



You'll be the company's lead on all HR matters -- shaping strategy, delivering improvements, and enabling our managers to lead well.

About the Role

This is a broad, hands-on role with a strong emphasis on:

Process improvement

: developing clear, scalable workflows and documentation (e.g. policies, templates, SOPs, process flows)

Compliance & ER

: managing complex employee relations issues (including tribunals) and supporting compliance with employment law, ISO 9001, and pharma-GMP standards

Payroll & systems

: reviewing and approving monthly payroll (outsourced), managing benefits, and maintaining HR records via BreatheHR

People development

: building personal development plans, delivering training, and supporting manager capability

Culture & communication

: supporting engagement, inclusion, and internal communication across departments

Recruitment & retention

: coordinating hiring, onboarding, and exit processes in collaboration with team leads
You'll work cross-functionally and collaboratively -- our business is complex, so we need someone who doesn't guess, but asks the right questions and builds the right solutions.

What We're Looking For

Essential

5+ years' experience in a standalone or senior HR generalist role Strong knowledge of UK employment law and confidence handling ER cases, including tribunals Experience with payroll review and outsourced provider management Proven ability to document and improve policies, workflows, and templates Comfortable using HR systems (e.g. BreatheHR, Workday, Oracle) Able to coach and guide line managers and hold others accountable in a collaborative way Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and a calm, solution-focused approach

Desirable

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience Experience working in regulated environments (e.g. ISO 9001, GMP, pharma, food/drink) Exposure to audits, quality systems, or internal comms and engagement initiatives

What We Offer

26 days holiday + bank holidays Hybrid working (3 office days per week after probation) Company pension, paid sick leave, and enhanced parental/bereavement leave Personal development support, including funding for CIPD or other relevant qualifications Subscription to professional bodies Regular team events and on-site parking

Sound like the right fit?

We're a well-established, growing business with a collaborative culture and high standards. This is a genuinely shaping role for someone who wants to lead, improve, and build better ways of working.

Apply now

to be part of the journey.