Head of Human Resources in Cheshire, Warrington

Locations: Birchwood, Warrington (Hybrid)

Employment type: Permanent

Contracted Hours: 37.5

Start Date: Mid August

About Claremont:

Claremont is a leading player in the commercial interior design and fit-out market. We work with our clients from initial consultation right through to delivering and shaping workspaces that meet the needs of organisations and their people. We are an employee-owned trust, which enables us to maintain our ethos and look after our people, thus improving our ability to retain and attract the very best talent in the industry. Our objective is to have a great business that is a fantastic place to work and to continue to build long lasting relationships with our clients.

The role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a standalone Head of HR to join our dedicated team in our Warrington headquarters. The ideal candidate will have experience working as a true HR generalist and will be able to oversee and manage all aspects of our human resources functions, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll and employee relations. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and the ability to handle multiple HR functions efficiently in a fast-paced business, as well as keeping on top of day-to-day HR administration.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Payroll: Collate and process payroll information on a monthly basis, and manage pension scheme reporting & administration.
• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: Responsible for overseeing the full recruitment process, including advertising, screening, interview support, references, psychometric assessments, training line managers, job offers and contracts of employment.
• Reward & Recognition: Oversee Claremont's benefits program, manage third-party relationships, and manage annual benefit renewals.
• Administrative Tasks: Handle all administrative tasks associated with day-to-day HR activities.
• Strategic Contribution: Collaborate with senior management to understand business needs and develop HR initiatives that drive engagement, productivity, and organisational success, in line with business goals. Support annual engagement surveys, workshops, results and objectives.
• Learning and Development: Oversee LMS compliance modules, drive development pathways and support management training programs.
• HR Systems: Manage the HRIS system, evaluate its performance, train managers and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Quality Standards: Oversee the ISO management system and coordinate auditing processes.
• Employment Relations: Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding. Provide guidance and support to managers to resolve employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Review and update HR policies.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum CIPD Level 5
• Proven experience as an HR Manager, covering the full HR remit, with the ability to work confidently in a standalone role
• Experience working for a fast-paced SME
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Experience working with payroll systems and external payroll providers.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices and industry trends.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in managing employee relations processes.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Proficiency in HR software systems (e.g., IRIS/Cascade).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Driver’s license.
• Experience implementing a HRIS or ATS is desirable.

Why work for us? Benefits include:

• Flexible working options – Enabling everyone to strike the right work-life balance
• Funded training opportunities – Providing an opportunity to develop your skills and build your CV
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays for new starters, rising to 27 then 30 days
• Buy or sell up to 5 days holiday a year
• Childcare vouchers – Tax benefits for parents
• Cycle to work scheme – Supporting a healthier, active workforce
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity
• Electric car scheme and free onsite EV charging points
• Free eye tests
• Free flu vaccinations
• Onsite parking
• Refer a friend scheme – Help our team to grow
• Cost of living pay reviews *subject to company performance
• Life Assurance from day one
• Mobile/Tech Salary sacrifice
• EOT Tax-free bonus (after 6 months of service)*subject to company performance
• Private Healthcare (after 12 months of service)

Claremont is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.