Job Description

Polite note: No agencies required, thank you.

We are a fast-growing national provider of distribution, contract logistics, and warehousing. Operating from our central hub in Staffordshire, we employ over 150 people and run a fleet of more than 70 vehicles. Known for our reliability and operational strength, we deliver high-volume, time-critical services across a broad range of sectors.

As we continue to grow, we're investing in our infrastructure, technology, and most importantly, our people.

We're now looking for an experienced HR Manager to take full ownership of our HR function and lead our people strategy. This is a high-impact, standalone role that reports directly to the Managing Director. You'll be responsible for building a professional, compliant, and commercially-minded HR operation from the ground up.

From policy development and compliance to recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations, you'll lead every aspect of HR. Working closely with our established management team, you'll equip them with the tools and structure they need to manage effectively, while ensuring we meet all HR and legal requirements.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role, perfect for someone commercially aware, practical, and confident working at leadership level.

Your responsibilities

Work closely with Directors and Senior Managers as a senior HR professional and trusted advisor Develop and deliver a people strategy that aligns with wider business goals Create, implement, and maintain legally compliant HR policies and procedures Set up all core HR processes from scratch, including performance management, discipline, and grievance handling Provide tools, structure, and real-time support to help managers lead confidently and consistently Coach managers through cases involving performance, conduct, and absence Lead the end-to-end recruitment process across all departments Streamline onboarding to ensure a consistent, compliant, and positive experience for new starters Be the first point of contact for employee queries and formal HR processes Oversee disciplinary and grievance investigations, ensuring accurate documentation and fair outcomes Maintain up-to-date and legally compliant employee records, contracts, and document templates Design and roll out performance review and appraisal systems that drive accountability and development Support the upskilling of admin, operational, and leadership teams Manage systems and processes for holiday, absence, and time-off tracking Provide the Managing Director with regular insights and reporting on key HR metrics such as staff turnover, absence, and recruitment activity

What we're looking for

Proven experience in a standalone or lead HR role Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance Experience setting up HR policies, systems, and documentation from the ground up A practical, hands-on approach, with the ability to operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels Skilled at partnering with and enabling operational managers to lead effectively CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) preferred

Life at Browns

We're big on progression, innovation, and culture - constantly pushing to move our industry forward. Our talented team knows what it takes to deliver great service, and we're focused on giving them the right environment to do just that.

At Distribution House, you'll find two floors of bright work and social spaces, collaborative meeting areas, and ergonomic workstations that actually make a difference. It's a place designed to keep you inspired and supported.

Perks of the Job

Here's a taste of what you'll enjoy when you join Browns:

Regular office socials and team events Relaxed, supportive team culture An extra day off to celebrate your birthday Discounted gym membership Modern, purpose-built office space Funded training programmes and professional development Service loyalty programme Progressive and forward-thinking leadership Real opportunities to grow your career

About us

Browns Distribution is a fast-growing provider of distribution, contract logistics, and warehousing services based in Staffordshire. With a turnover of more than 23 million, we're proud to be one of the quickest rising names in our sector.

Our team has picked up multiple industry awards along the way--thanks to a strong focus on service, smart use of technology, and a knack for attracting great people.

We're growing quickly and always on the lookout for driven, capable individuals who want to be part of something exciting. If you've got the ambition and want to work with a team that's going places, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: No recruitment agencies are required for this position. We politely request that no agencies contact us.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Free parking Gym membership
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person