Job Description

Job title

Office & HR Manager

Company overview

As a rapidly growing software company, SME Water specialise in the use of contemporary analysis and data science techniques to deliver complex leakage and demand analysis insights within the UK water sector. SME Water's flagship product, Paradigm, is the largest demand analysis model in the UK, covering 60% of properties, with an expanding client list including United Utilities, Yorkshire Water and Anglian Water.

Job summary

We are seeking a self-motivated and experienced Office & HR Manager to lead and enhance our HR and administrative functions. This newly created role provides an exciting opportunity for a driven HR individual to shape and trademark it as their own, helping to elevate a fast-growing business to the next level.

Alongside HR management responsibilities, the successful candidate will play a vital role in keeping the office running smoothly, supporting the senior leadership team, and supervising administrative or support team members.

Key responsibilities

This is a hands-on position suited to someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats and is comfortable working independently.

Please note that the following list of duties is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the Office & HR Manager will carry out. The successful candidate may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the senior leadership team.

HR Management

Operations and compliance:

Act as the primary point of contact for day-to-day HR queries and policy interpretation. Manage payroll, benchmark salaries, oversee benefits packages, and ensure these align with company strategy and legal requirements. Coordinate with the Accounts Assistant and payroll provider to ensure accurate and timely monthly payroll processing. Create and update HR policies to ensure the company complies with all relevant employment laws and regulatory standards. Develop the HR function as a trusted, visible, and valuable part of the business.
Employee relations:

Serve as a trusted point of contact for both managers and employees on HR-related matters. Support and guide the senior leadership team to address employee issues, offering practical advice and HR expertise on conduct, absence, performance, grievances, and disciplinary procedures.
Recruitment and selection:

Partner with the senior leadership team to identify staffing needs, write compelling job adverts, and support with interviews and selection. Lead the end-to-end recruitment process. Oversee onboarding and induction to ensure a seamless and positive experience for new starters.
Performance and development:

Establish and embed effective performance review processes. Collaborate with the senior leadership team to continuously improve and the learning and development (L&D) strategy. Plan and coordinate L&D activities to strengthen employee skills and support career progression.
HR data and analytics:

Ensure employee records and documentation are securely stored and accessed in line with GDPR requirements. Develop and maintain dashboards to produce data-driven HR insights. Collate and analyse HR data, generate concise reports, and present findings to the senior leadership team.
Employee engagement and wellbeing:

Organise staff wellbeing initiatives and social events to boost employee morale and satisfaction. Promote a positive and inclusive work environment.

Office Management & Administration

Oversee all office operations, ensuring a well-organised, safe, and efficient working environment. Line manage the Accounts Assistant - Provide support, regular check-ins, task delegation, and development feedback. Ensure the business remains compliant with Health & Safety requirements, including risk assessments and fire/first aid procedures. Coordinate internal communications, staff events, and team culture initiatives. Act as the main point of contact for facilities management, service providers, and suppliers. Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and workflow efficiency. Manage office expenditure. Provide administrative support in preparation for conferences and training programmes. Capture and distribute meeting minutes.

Skills and experience required

Essential:

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards Level 7) A minimum of 3 years experience in a senior HR role within the UK Experience managing payroll process (directly or via a provider) Full working knowledge of HR legislation and employment law Previous line management experience Confident providing clear, practical HR support and guidance to the senior leadership team High degree of discretion, professionalism, and self-motivation Proficiency in Microsoft Office Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and prioritise workload to meet key deadlines Strong organisational and multitasking skills Enjoy working as part of a small team in a collaborative environment
Desirable:

Basic accounting knowledge Familiarity with the cloud-based accounting software Xero Experience in office management or facilities coordination Knowledge of health and safety standards in a UK office environment First Aid at Work certification Fire Marshal certification

Employee benefits

Highly competitive salary 25 days annual leave plus public holidays Pension scheme Private healthcare Opportunities for professional development Free on-site parking
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Private medical insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:

Birkenhead, CH41 1EU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birkenhead, CH41 1EU

Application deadline: 08/09/2025
Reference ID: Office & HR Manager
Expected start date: 01/12/2025