HR Manager in Reading

HR Manager in Reading

Reading Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR activities and oversee operational management to support business growth.
  • Company: Join a successful tech organisation with a collaborative culture and ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Opportunity for autonomy, influence decision-making, and make a genuine impact.
  • Other info: Dynamic role in a growing business with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping people practices and driving a high-performing culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience as an HR Manager or Business Partner with strong knowledge of UK employment law.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Hays are delighted to be partnering with an innovative organisation to appoint an HR & Operations Manager. This is a standalone position offering broad responsibility across the employee lifecycle whilst also overseeing a number of operational and office management activities. Reporting directly into senior leadership, you will play a key role in supporting business growth, developing people practices and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation.

About the Company

Our client is a highly successful and growing technology organisation operating within a specialist scientific and engineering sector. With ambitious growth plans and a collaborative culture, they are seeking an experienced HR professional who enjoys variety, autonomy and the opportunity to make a genuine impact.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all HR activities across the employee lifecycle, from onboarding through to exit
  • Act as the first point of contact for managers and employees on HR matters
  • Provide guidance on employee relations cases, policies and employment legislation
  • Manage recruitment activities and support hiring managers with attraction and selection
  • Review, update and implement HR policies and processes
  • Support organisational growth, workforce planning and people initiatives
  • Maintain HR records, reporting and compliance requirements
  • Oversee office and operational activities to ensure the business runs efficiently
  • Manage relationships with external suppliers and service providers
  • Support wider business projects and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Partner with senior leaders to drive a positive and high-performing culture

About You

To be successful in this role, you will likely have:

  • Previous experience operating as a standalone HR Manager, HR Business Partner or Senior HR Generalist
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations
  • Experience managing the full employee lifecycle
  • Confidence partnering with senior stakeholders and advising managers
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • A proactive and hands-on approach with a willingness to support operational activities when required
  • Experience within an SME, growing business or technology-led environment would be advantageous
  • CIPD qualification or equivalent experience

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional looking for a broad and varied role where they can take ownership, influence decision-making and play a key role in a growing business.

HR Manager in Reading employer: Hays HR

Join a premium retail organisation that values innovation and growth, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly shape the future of talent acquisition. With generous pay and benefits, alongside long-term development opportunities, this role is perfect for those eager to build impactful recruitment strategies in a luxury retail setting. Experience a culture that prioritises professional excellence and inclusivity, ensuring every candidate interaction reflects the high standards of the brand.

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Contact Details:

Hays HR Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Reading

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 HR!

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 HR.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Reading

HR Management
Employee Lifecycle Management
Employee Relations
UK Employment Law
Recruitment and Selection
Policy Development
Organisational Growth Support

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 HR. 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 HR 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 HR. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays HR'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 HR

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 HR.

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 HR 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 HR and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.