HR Manager in Cambridge

HR Manager in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 44000 - 68000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic HR team, ensuring top-notch service and support for a leading disability charity.
  • Company: Join Papworth Trust, a values-driven organisation dedicated to equality and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping inclusive HR practices.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR management, strong communication skills, and a Level 5 CIPD qualification.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and a commitment to social change.

The predicted salary is between 44000 - 68000 £ per year.

Papworth Trust is looking for an experienced and values-driven HR professional to lead their People Services Team (HR and Payroll) on a full-time, permanent basis. This hybrid role is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, with regular travel to Trust sites across Cambridge, South Cambridge and Suffolk. This is a senior and rewarding opportunity to shape the people services delivery within a leading disability charity, supporting managers and colleagues to deliver inclusive, compliant and compassionate services that truly reflect Papworth Trust's values.

Benefits

  • Competitive Salary: £51,000 per annum
  • Holiday: 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
  • Pension: enhanced employer contribution
  • Wellbeing, development & rewards: Health cashback plan (dental and optical), enhanced sick pay, wellbeing and employee assistance support, access to training and professional qualifications, annual leave purchase, Values in Practice recognition awards, tax-saving schemes, and opportunities to have your voice heard through colleague groups.

About the Role

As HR Manager / People Services Team Manager, you will provide day to day leadership and management of the People Services Team to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused HR and payroll service across the Trust. Reporting to the Director of People & Culture, you will ensure delivery against KPIs and SLAs, maintain compliance with employment legislation, and drive continuous improvement using people systems and data. Working hours are 37.5 per week. This hybrid role requires at least two days onsite at Huntingdon or Papworth Everard, with candidates living within one hour's commute of Huntingdon.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the People Services Team, including Payroll, coaching staff, holding 1:1s and performance reviews, and supporting managers with complex employee relations matters.
  • Oversee HR operations and service delivery, including workload management, customer service standards, inclusive policies, and use of HR systems and data to drive efficiency and continuous improvement.
  • Manage payroll and pensions, ensuring accurate, timely payments, compliance with external providers, and contributing to payroll process improvements.
  • Drive quality, projects, and improvement, including recruitment, onboarding, retention, digital people services, KPIs/SLAs, and cross-organisational initiatives.
  • Manage finance, audit, and governance, including budgets, business cases, contracts, and ensuring compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
  • Champion safeguarding and health & safety, promoting best practice and reporting concerns in line with Trust policies.

About You

As HR Manager / People Services Team Manager, you will share Papworth Trust's values and be committed to equity, inclusion, and social change, with a strong understanding of the social model of disability. You will have experience of managing and leading a HR or People Services team, delivering against KPIs and SLAs, managing complex employee relations, and overseeing payroll and people systems. A confident communicator and skilled coach, you balance empathy with professionalism. You will hold a Level 5 CIPD qualification (or equivalent), up-to-date knowledge of employment law, strong organisational, analytical, and IT skills, experience using HRIS systems and people data, and the ability to travel across Trust sites. Payroll, pensions, TUPE, and regulated-sector experience are desirable but not essential.

Why Papworth Trust

Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity, working to create a world where disabled people are seen for who they are and can live with equality, choice and independence. Our People Services team plays a vital role in enabling our colleagues to deliver high-quality, impactful services across the organisation.

Additional information

The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS with Adults Barred List check and candidates must be authorised to work in the UK. Papworth Trust is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from disabled candidates and guarantee interviews to those who meet the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments or alternative formats, please let us know as early as possible. If you have the relevant skills and experience for this HR Manager / People Services Team Manager role and would like to be considered, please apply by submitting an up-to-date CV. We look forward to hearing from you.

HR Manager in Cambridge employer: Cypher Pipelines Pty Ltd

Papworth Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a comprehensive benefits package including health cashback plans and professional training opportunities. With a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and social change, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture where HR professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of disabled individuals across Cambridgeshire and beyond.
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Contact Detail:

Cypher Pipelines Pty Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Cambridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who might have insights into Papworth Trust. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Papworth Trust’s values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with their commitment to equity and inclusion. Tailor your examples to highlight your understanding of the social model of disability.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. We want to see how you handle complex employee relations or manage payroll challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the team.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Cambridge

Leadership
HR Management
Payroll Management
Employee Relations
Coaching
Performance Management
KPI Management
SLA Management
Employment Law Knowledge
HRIS Systems Experience
Analytical Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Inclusion and Diversity Awareness
Safeguarding and Health & Safety

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the HR Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, knowledge of employment law, and any relevant qualifications like your Level 5 CIPD.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about working with Papworth Trust. Share specific examples of how you've driven inclusion and supported teams in previous roles.

Showcase Your Values: We want to see how your personal values align with ours. Mention your commitment to equity, inclusion, and social change, and how these have influenced your work in HR.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and keep everything organised.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cypher Pipelines Pty Ltd

✨Know the Values

Before your interview, take some time to really understand Papworth Trust's values. They’re looking for someone who embodies equity, inclusion, and social change. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you align with these values.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an HR Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about times when you coached staff or handled complex employee relations matters.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Employment Law

Since this role requires up-to-date knowledge of employment law, brush up on key legislation relevant to HR. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in relation to compliance and best practices.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the People Services Team and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

HR Manager in Cambridge
Cypher Pipelines Pty Ltd
Location: Cambridge

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