At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver people plans while supporting operational leaders with HR expertise.
- Company: Join Fortem, a dynamic company focused on people and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, motor allowance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- 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 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced HR Manager to join Fortem, this is a full time permanent position 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.
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
- 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.
What You Will Need
Essential
- 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.
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.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- £4,000 motor expenditure allowance
- 25 days annual leave
HR Manager in Hitchin employer: Fortem
Amplius Housing is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a commitment to career progression through extensive training opportunities, we ensure our team members thrive in their roles. Our focus on social housing means that your work directly contributes to improving the lives of residents across Northamptonshire, making every day meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Hitchin
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Fortem!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Fortem.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Fortem. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Fortem and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Fortem. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Fortem's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortem
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Fortem.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Fortem will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Fortem and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
