HR Manager

As our HR Manager, youll play a key role in delivering effective, compliant and people-focused HR and Payroll services across the business. Working closely with managers and colleagues, you will provide hands-on support across the full employee lifecycle, helping to ensure a consistent, positive and well-managed people experience. This is a varied role within a growing SME, where your ability to balance operational delivery with a proactive, solutions-focused approach will make a real difference.

In this role, youll:

• Manage operational HR delivery and performance, including recruitment, learning and development, payroll and social value, taking a business-partnering approach aligned to company objectives.
• Support and advise on all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to employee relations, performance management and offboarding.
• Oversee the preparation and issuing of employment contracts, job offers and HR documentation, ensuring legal compliance.
• Take a hands-on role in HR activities where required, supporting the Companys collaborative culture.
• Interpret and apply evolving employment legislation, maintaining up-to-date, practical HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure accurate and complete HR and Payroll records across systems and documentation, in line with retention requirements.
• Develop and maintain job descriptions and HR templates to a high standard of accuracy and consistency.
• Support and organise employee engagement initiatives and company events, such as COOMBES Day and the Family Summer Party.
• Contribute to HR reporting, including key metrics and Board reports.
• Support and lead reward and benefits activities, including pay reviews, bonus schemes and salary benchmarking.
• Manage, support and develop members of the HR team.
• Deputise for the Senior HR Manager when required.

Wed love to hear from you if you have:

• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a generalist HR role across the full employee lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and its practical application.
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters.
• Solid understanding of HR systems, data management and payroll processes.
• Experience producing compliant HR documentation (contracts, policies and templates).
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills with managers at all levels.
• Confidence in coaching and supporting others.
• Ability to interpret HR data and identify trends to inform decision-making.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, resilient and hands-on approach.
• Experience managing or supporting a small HR team.
• High levels of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Confidence operating within a growing SME environment.

Whilst not essential, it would be advantageous if you have:

• Experience supporting reward and benefits activities (pay reviews, benchmarking, bonus schemes).
• Experience improving HR systems or digital processes.
• Awareness of social value, ESG or employee engagement initiatives.
• Project management experience or qualification.

What were looking for:

Were looking for a practical, people-focused HR professional who brings structure, consistency and sound judgment to their work - someone who takes pride in supporting both employees and managers, whilst contributing to a positive and effective working environment.

As a people-facing role, this position is office-based to encourage collaboration, ensure effective delivery, and strengthen our One Team culture.

What you can expect from us:

• Competitive basic salary, reviewed annually.
• Company branded vehicle.
• Annual performance related bonus.
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering wellbeing, legal and financial support.
• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family.
• A range of retail, leisure and lifestyle discounts.
• Regular social events, including our Summer Family Day and COOMBESmas celebration.
• Length of service awards.
• Opportunities to contribute to our Social Value work through volunteering and fundraising.

COOMBES UK is a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor with over 20 years of experience in the forestry sector. Were known for our expertise, high standards and deep understanding of forestry operations. Were also a key delivery partner in the Rail industry, providing a wide range of off track services and minor civils works for Network Rail and major contractors. As we continue to grow, were delivering significant projects across woodland management, timber harvesting, rail operations and civil engineering nationwide. As a family run SME, we work closely together and operate as one team. The dedication, skill and integrity of our people sit at the heart of our success. We value transparency, accountability and supporting one another to excel.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Were committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and ensure fair, inclusive treatment throughout the hiring process. Even if you dont meet every requirement, we encourage you to applyyou may be the perfect fit for this role or future opportunities within COOMBES.