HR Manager

SF Partners are working with a successful, growing SME to recruit their first dedicated HR Manager. This is a newly created position and a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in an entrepreneurial environment where they can build structure, introduce best practice and make a visible impact.

My client is ideally looking for someone who is immediately available or on a short notice period - the role will be recruited on a temp to perm basis.

Salary: Circa £50,000
Hours: 40 hours per week (site based)
Location: Worcester

The business is entering an important period of growth and development. Until now, HR responsibilities have been shared across the senior leadership and finance teams, but the business has reached the stage where it needs an experienced HR professional to take ownership of the people function. This will be a broad, hands-on HR Manager position combining operational HR with the opportunity to develop the company's longer-term people strategy.

Key responsibilities will include:
- Taking ownership of the day-to-day HR function across the business
- Providing practical HR advice and guidance to managers and the leadership team
- Managing employee relations matters including grievances, absence, performance and disciplinary issues
- Supporting the business with more complex ER matters and helping resolve issues before they escalate
- Reviewing employment contracts, policies and existing HR processes
- Developing a consistent approach to performance management, appraisals and 1-2-1s
- Reviewing absence management processes and identifying trends and areas for improvement
- Supporting managers to have effective people conversations
- Improving internal communication and employee engagement during a period of significant business change
- Introducing appropriate HR processes, structure and best practice without over-complicating things
- Working closely with the senior leadership team to develop the people agenda

You will ideally have:
- CIPD qualified
- Strong generalist HR experience at HR Manager, Senior HR Advisor or HR Business Partner level
- Excellent employee relations experience, including grievances, absence and performance management
- Confidence handling complex and potentially high-risk ER situations
- Experience introducing or improving HR policies and processes
- The ability to coach managers and influence senior stakeholders
- A commercial and pragmatic approach to HR
- Strong communication and mediation skills
- The confidence to operate as the first dedicated HR professional within a business
- The ability to balance immediate operational priorities with longer-term HR improvements

Previous experience within a growing or changing SME would be particularly beneficial.