At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support operational leaders in shaping people plans.
- Company: Join Fortem, a part of the Willmott Dixon group, known for its commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a company that values diversity and community improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on colleague experience and drive organisational change.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience in HR management required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced HR Manager to join Fortem on a 12-month fixed-term contract, based at our Head Office in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this is a varied and influential role where you will act as a trusted partner to operational leaders, providing proactive HR support across a dedicated workstream. You will play a key part in shaping and delivering people plans that support business priorities, workforce needs and colleague experience, while acting as the link between operational leadership and the wider HR function.
The Project: As part of our Head Office function you will have responsibility for the effective delivery of a range of HR functions and hold accountability for the overall people health of their workstream and act as the key link between operational leaders and the wider HR function.
- Develop and deliver people plans aligned to Fortem’s culture, business objectives, growth priorities and workforce needs.
- Partner with operational leaders to translate business plans into practical people actions, using people data and colleague insight to identify risks, opportunities and improvements.
- Support organisational change, mobilisation, restructuring and transformation activity, ensuring people priorities are planned and managed effectively.
- Coach, support and challenge leaders and managers to build capability, confidence and accountability in line with Fortem’s people management standards.
- Drive fair, consistent and proactive approaches to performance, attendance, development and employee relations.
- Own workforce planning for the workstream, working with leaders to understand future growth, resource requirements, succession risks and capability gaps.
- Develop workforce plans that support growth, mobilisation and changing business needs, aligning recruitment, talent, succession and development activity.
- Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, providing expert advice on employment legislation, policy, procedure and best practice.
- Identify trends and root causes behind people issues and implement preventative solutions to improve colleague experience and reduce risk.
- Coordinate activity across Talent & Development, Recruitment and the HR Support Centre to deliver agreed workstream priorities and ensure people activity is planned and delivered effectively.
- Act as the senior HR contact for leaders within the workstream, challenging and escalating where priorities, resources or delivery plans are not aligned.
Personal Qualities:
- CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent experience, with a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Significant experience in a generalist HR management or senior HR advisory role, including managing complex employee relations matters.
- Strong coaching, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with experience supporting leaders and managers at all levels.
- Experience developing people plans, supporting organisational change and partnering with leaders to identify workforce and capability requirements.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations and people management best practice.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.
- Able to interpret people data and translate insight into practical action.
- Strong understanding of leadership development, organisational capability and workforce planning principles.
- UK Driving Licence.
Desired:
- Chartered MCIPD qualification.
- Experience within construction, social housing, repairs and maintenance, capital works or retrofit environments, including business growth, mobilisation or contract transitions.
- Experience in organisational design, workforce planning, talent, succession or leadership development programmes.
- Experience managing or developing HR team members, or holding change management/project management qualifications.
Additional Information:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- £4,000 motor expenditure allowance.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays & your birthday off (or the nearest Friday/Monday, if it falls on a weekend).
- 26 weeks full pay maternity leave.
- Company pension.
- Discounted gym memberships at national and local gyms.
- Up to £3,000 colleague referral fee.
- Other benefits including dental care, private healthcare, cycle-to-work scheme, mobile phone provider discounts & more.
About Us: We are part of the Willmott Dixon group, established in 2002. Fortem provides specialist property solutions tailored to keep homes and buildings running smoothly. Our highly trained teams deliver a range of internal and external repairs as well as high quality retrofit, capital works and repairs and maintenance services. Alongside our core functions, we have extensive experience in decarbonisation, specialising in making homes more energy‑efficient and helping clients on their journey to become zero carbon. Our experience, commitment to best practice and exemplary quality, together with a genuine partnered approach, ensures we achieve excellent outcomes for our partners, clients and customers. We have an established track record of improving communities and creating better places for people to work and live. We are Investors in People – Gold, we believe in equality, diversity and respect for all and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
HR Manager - 12 Month FTC in Hitchin employer: Fortem Cares
Fortem Cares is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, a company van, generous leave, and various perks, our team members enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the communities of Peterborough, Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager - 12 Month FTC in Hitchin
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Fortem Cares and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager - 12 Month FTC in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Fortem Cares. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortem Cares
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Fortem Cares, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Fortem Cares uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Fortem Cares.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Fortem Cares.
