At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, support managers, and enhance employee experiences across the organisation.
- Company: Dynamic business in Wakefield with a focus on people and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on HR role while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years HR experience, CIPD Level 5, and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for a varied, hands-on role within a dynamic business? We're looking for a HR Manager to play a key role in delivering a high-quality, compliant and people-focused HR service across the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident HR generalist who thrives on building strong relationships, supporting managers, and driving continuous improvement across the employee lifecycle.
The Role
Reporting into the Senior leadership team, you will take ownership of a broad range of HR responsibilities, supporting colleagues and managers from onboarding through to exit, while ensuring best practice and legislative compliance throughout.
- Managing the onboarding and induction process, ensuring a positive employee experience from day one
- Ensuring HR policies, procedures and processes are consistently applied across the business
- Coaching and supporting managers to deliver compliant and effective HR practices
- Maintaining accurate employee data across HR systems, supporting reporting and analytics
- Supporting the end-to-end recruitment process, including advertising, coordination and interview support
- Monitoring absence levels, identifying trends and supporting managers with appropriate action planning
- Producing regular management reports and HR metrics
- Providing guidance on employee relations and performance matters, including disciplinary, grievance and appeals
- Supporting and advising on ER cases, ensuring fairness, consistency and best practice
- Delivering HR training sessions to managers on key topics
- Managing the time and attendance system
- Leading the annual review of HR policies and procedures
- Supporting organisational initiatives, including apprenticeship levy utilisation and HR projects
- Producing HR documentation, including letters and formal correspondence
- Managing HR audits and ensuring documentation compliance
- Supporting annual processes such as pay reviews and gender pay gap reporting
- Handling day-to-day HR queries and providing a responsive, professional service
- Conducting exit processes, including questionnaires and trend analysis
- Visiting regional sites regularly to support operational managers
About You
We're looking for a proactive and knowledgeable HR professional who is confident working in a fast-paced, operational environment. You will have:
- A minimum of 5 years' HR generalist experience
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (essential)
- Degree-level education (or equivalent experience)
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law
- Experience supporting employee relations casework
- Exposure to gender pay gap reporting and apprenticeship levy management
- Experience delivering training and coaching managers
- Strong IT skills, including Excel (spreadsheets & basic formulas), Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- A collaborative approach with the confidence to work independently
HR Manager in Wakefield employer: Hays Business Support
Join a leading professional services organisation that values its employees and fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Business Support Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic team of Executive Assistants while benefiting from a hybrid working model, strong focus on learning and development, and a comprehensive benefits package. This role not only offers competitive salary but also provides a platform for meaningful career progression within a highly respected firm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Wakefield
✨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 Hays Business Support!
✨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 Hays Business Support.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Wakefield
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 Hays Business Support. 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 Hays Business Support 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 Hays Business Support. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays Business Support'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 Hays Business Support
✨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 Hays Business Support.
✨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 Hays Business Support 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 Hays Business Support and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.