Purpose of the Role
Take ownership of the operational management and delivery of HR services across Ellacotts, ensuring alignment with our vision, values and business strategy. You’ll play a key role in shaping a positive employee experience, maintaining compliance with UK legislation, and acting as a trusted advisor to leaders, employees, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy, Planning & Operations
- Partner with the Head of People & Innovation and management team to shape and deliver the firm’s people strategy
- Align HR initiatives with business goals to drive measurable outcomes
- Use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, recommending solutions where needed
- Oversee HR systems and employee records, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
- Support workforce planning and budgeting across salaries, training and HR activities
- Monitor trainee and apprentice progress, ensuring development, performance and study objectives are met
- Effectively manage a varied workload, balancing competing priorities while maintaining an excellent quality service
Employee Relations & HR Expertise
- Provide expert, pragmatic advice on UK employment law and HR best practice
- Lead and manage a full range of employee relations matters, including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes
- Review and enhance policies, procedures and working practices to support the evolving needs of the business
- Ensure HR processes are consistently followed and continually improved
Talent Attraction
- Lead and develop the firm’s recruitment approach, working with agencies and internal stakeholders
- Drive a proactive, multi-channel attraction strategy (direct sourcing, social media, events, referrals and more)
- Ensure an efficient and high-quality candidate experience
Talent Development
- Oversee onboarding and induction, ensuring a strong start for new joiners
- Identify and deliver learning and development initiatives that support individual and business growth
Engagement & Retention
- Lead the employee engagement survey process, analysing results and supporting action planning
- Support reward and recognition approaches that drive retention and performance
- Create opportunities for employee voice and meaningful consultation
Performance & Payroll
- Manage and evolve the firm’s appraisal process and cycle
- Coach managers on effective performance management
- Oversee payroll inputs for the external provider, ensuring accuracy and compliance
External Insight & Partnerships
- Build and manage relationships with external providers (e.g. recruiters, training partners)
- Stay informed on legislative changes and market trends, driving appropriate organisational responses
Internal Culture & Communication
- Support internal communications and key people initiatives
- Contribute to CSR activity, including social and charitable events across the firm
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Support health and safety compliance, including risk assessments and first aid provision
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach and develop the HR team
- Delegate effectively and support continuous development within the team
- Contribute to wider firm initiatives and support partners as required
Skills & Experience
- CIPD qualified (or degree or equivalent experience)
- Minimum 5 years’ HR experience within a commercial environment, including at least 2 years at HR Manager level
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law
- Experience working in a commercial or professional services environment
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Confident using HR systems and data to inform decisions
Personal Qualities
- Credible, approachable and able to build trust quickly
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proactive, solutions-focused and commercially aware
- Resilient, driven and self-motivated
- Discreet and professional when handling sensitive matters
Additional Requirements
- Based within commuting distance of Kettering
- Willingness to travel to other offices as required
- Flexibility to work outside normal hours when needed
