At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy, develop policies, and manage recruitment and employee relations.
- Company: Browns Distribution is a fast-growing logistics provider based in Staffordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy office socials, an extra day off for your birthday, and funded training programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive culture with opportunities for career growth.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and hands-on approach required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and delivering exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
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.
We’re looking for someone who can roll their sleeves up and shape something meaningful from the ground up. We want a people person with commercial knowledge, support our teams, challenge where needed, and help us grow in the right way. In return, you’ll have the freedom to make a real impact, the backing of a strong leadership team, and a workplace where people genuinely enjoy what they do.
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HR Manager employer: Browns Distribution Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
Browns Distribution Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR challenges faced by distribution and logistics companies. Understanding the unique aspects of this sector will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show how you can add value to our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those who have experience in standalone roles. Engaging with others in similar positions can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in setting up HR policies and systems from scratch. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies that align with business goals, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to coach and support managers in handling HR issues. Highlight any past experiences where you've empowered leaders to manage their teams effectively, as this will resonate well with our focus on collaboration and support.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant HR experience, particularly in standalone roles. Emphasise your knowledge of UK employment law and any previous successes in setting up HR policies and systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for HR and how your hands-on approach aligns with the company's needs. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully partnered with management to drive HR initiatives.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to think strategically by discussing how you would develop a people strategy that aligns with the company's business goals. Include any relevant metrics or outcomes from past experiences.
Highlight Your People Skills: Since this role requires strong interpersonal skills, provide examples of how you've effectively coached managers and handled employee relations. This will show your capability to be a trusted advisor within the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Browns Distribution Services Ltd
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Browns Distribution's culture and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on progression, innovation, and team support. This will help you align your answers with what they value in their employees.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in setting up HR policies and systems. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented HR strategies that align with business goals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
As an HR Manager, you'll be working closely with various teams. Use the interview to showcase your ability to build relationships and coach managers effectively. Share examples of how you've supported teams in handling performance or conduct issues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life HR scenarios. Think about how you would handle disciplinary investigations or create a positive onboarding experience. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.