HR and Operations Manager in CM1 in Chelmsford

Job Description

HR and Operations Manager

Are you an experienced HR professional looking for a standalone role where you can really make your mark?

Do you enjoy building strong relationships, improving processes and helping people thrive?

Would you like the opportunity to shape the HR function within a successful and growing business?

If so, WE Talent would love to hear from you.

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing plumbing distribution business looking to appoint their first dedicated HR & Operations Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with the business owners, taking ownership of the HR function while supporting a diverse workforce across office, warehouse, logistics and driving teams.

This is a varied, hands‑on role where you'll have genuine autonomy, influence and the opportunity to make a visible impact as the business continues to grow.

The Role

As HR & Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for leading all aspects of the people function, ensuring employees are supported throughout their journey while helping the business build strong processes and an engaged workforce.

Key responsibilities include

• Managing all day‑to‑day HR activities across the business.
• Acting as the first point of contact for managers and employees on all HR matters.
• Leading recruitment, onboarding and induction across office, warehouse, logistics and driving teams.
• Providing guidance on employee relations, absence management, performance and wellbeing.
• Coordinating performance reviews, training and development initiatives.
• Reviewing and developing HR policies, procedures and systems to support continued business growth.
• Supporting HR compliance and assisting with Health & Safety activities.
• Working closely with the owners to enhance employee engagement and company culture.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes and ways of working across the business.

About You

We're looking for an experienced HR professional who enjoys working closely with people and is confident operating in a standalone position.

You'll ideally have

• Previous experience in a standalone HR Manager or broad HR Generalist role.
• Strong knowledge of the full employee lifecycle.
• Experience managing recruitment, employee relations and performance management.
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• The confidence to advise managers and influence positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• A proactive, organised and solutions‑focused approach.
• The ability to work independently while building trusted relationships across the business.

Most importantly, you'll be approachable, hands‑on and passionate about creating a positive working environment where employees feel supported and valued.

What’s in it for you?

• A standalone role with real autonomy and ownership.
• The opportunity to work closely with the business owners and influence strategic decisions.
• The chance to build and shape the HR function as the business grows.
• A friendly, supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact across the organisation.

If you’re looking for a role where your ideas will be valued and your contribution will genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact WE Talent for a confidential conversation.

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