Interim Human Resources Manager in Manchester

Interim HR Manager (Maternity Cover) – International (9–12 months)

Company: Aerivo (part of Modaxo)

Contract: Fixed-term (maternity cover), 9–12 months

Start date: Mid-July 2026 (handover period in July where possible)

Hours: Full-time (typically 37 hrs/week, Mon–Fri)

Location: Manchester HQ (hybrid working), with flexibility to consider fully remote candidates who meet the full criteria

Reporting to: Business GM

Aerivo is seeking an Interim HR Manager to manage all HR operations. You'll own recruitment, employee relations, performance, payroll, benefits and UK visa compliance for a diverse, international team spanning the UK, France, China, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Malaysia. This high-visibility, hands-on role is ideal for an experienced HR generalist ready to accelerate their career in a fast-paced tech environment.

Role purpose (why this role is different): This is a high-impact interim opportunity to run the full HR agenda for a growing, international software business of ~70 people during a pivotal period. Aerivo has just been acquired by Modaxo, and we are embedding into a new group environment while maintaining momentum in a fast-paced tech market.

What success looks like:

• HR operations run smoothly day-to-day (contracts, payroll inputs, ER, policies, records, reporting).
• UK visa/sponsor compliance is tight: tracking, renewals, right-to-work, audit trails, manager guidance.
• Managers feel better equipped: clearer people processes, practical coaching, and improved confidence handling performance/absence/ER.
• A pragmatic plan is in place for training and capability building (technical and people leadership), aligned to business priorities.
• Aerivo is progressing through the “embed into Modaxo” journey with clear communications, good employee engagement, and minimal disruption.

Key responsibilities:

• HR leadership & business partnering (UK + international): Act as the primary HR partner to the GM and leadership team; provide clear, commercially-grounded advice.
• Employee relations & case management: Provide guidance and support to managers and employees across the full ER spectrum.
• Payroll & benefits coordination (UK and oversight internationally): Coordinate monthly UK payroll inputs with Finance and payroll provider(s) to ensure accuracy and deadlines are met.
• Performance management, reward & manager capability: Run and improve performance management.
• Learning & development (paced for a software business): Identify skills gaps with leaders and create an actionable training plan.

Key relationships:

• Internal: GM, leadership team, Finance, line managers/team leads, all employees, staff forum representatives.
• Group/External: Modaxo HR (regional and functional), payroll provider(s), immigration counsel, recruitment partners, in-country HR service providers.

Skills & experience:

• Strong, generalist HR experience covering ER, recruitment, performance, HR administration and manager support.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of UK employment law and practical ER case handling.
• Demonstrable experience supporting and improving manager capability through coaching and pragmatic guidance.
• Confidence working at pace, independently prioritising, and being accountable as the “go-to” HR person.
• Excellent written work (letters, contracts, policies) and high attention to detail/confidentiality.

What we offer (why join for an interim period):

• A rare chance to own a broad HR remit with international complexity and high visibility.
• Direct partnership with the GM and close connection to Modaxo HR—excellent exposure and development.
• The opportunity to deliver tangible outcomes in culture, capability, and compliance in a short, defined timeframe.
• Competitive salary between £40k-50k (DOE) per annum pro rata.
• 25 days annual + bank holidays.
• Opportunity to join a discounted Employee benefit system.
• Competitive company pension.
• 4x Life Assurance with an option to go up to 6x.