Human Resources Manager - Fixed Term Contract in Blackburn

Hippo Motor Group is a leading privately-owned vehicle leasing company with a robust presence in the automotive industry. With close to 350 employees across 3 sites, we pride ourselves on maintaining a professional yet family-like atmosphere that remains at the core of our operations. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a dynamic, supportive work environment.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic People Manager to oversee and lead our People Team (HR). The ideal candidate will support our dynamic, fast-paced business by managing both strategic and day-to-day operational HR matters. This role requires flexibility, the ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment, and a strong team player disposition. This position is a 14-month Maternity Cover fixed term contract, with a desired start date of 1st August.

• Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead a team consisting of a People Advisor, Talent Acquisition Manager, and People Team Administrator.
• Oversee all People processes throughout the entire employee lifecycle.
• Support managers regarding complex employee relations including dispute resolutions, disciplinaries, grievances, absence, retirement, and redundancy.
• Keep up to date with developments in employment legislation and People best practices to ensure that continuous development and improvement is maintained; and where this impacts on policies and procedures, ensure they are kept up to date.
• Participate in and lead on projects supporting the development and maintenance of a healthy employee relations and performance management culture.
• Attend Leadership Team meetings, providing regular updates on HR activity, workforce trends, key people metrics, and recommendations to support business decision-making.
• Contribute to the delivery of project plans, identifying risks, considering best practice and current options, and ultimately making recommendations in the best interest of the business.
• Coach and influence managers to develop their people management/leadership skills, constructively challenge behaviours and deal with difficult and contentious issues within the Company to deliver effective outcomes.
• Ensure the performance review process is followed and appropriate development and performance improvement plans are implemented where required.
• Oversee the monthly Payroll Summary.
• Ensure consistent application of policy and procedure across the organisation.
• Advising Managers on all areas of HR policy and practice.
• Conduct regular reviews of company HR policies and practices, ensuring the employee handbook, contracts, and associated documentation remain compliant with current legislation.
• Involvement with any new site start-up processes and implementation.
• Support current and future business needs through the development, engagement, motivation, and preservation of our colleagues.
• Assist with all day-to-day running of HR department with all general duties.

• Proven experience as a HR Manager, People Manager, Senior HR Advisor, HR Business Partner, or similar senior HR role.
• Experience of managing a small team.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent active listening, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Competence to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels of the company.
• Qualified to CIPD level 5 or have equivalent experience.
• Accountable decision maker who can think outside of own remit and see the wider business impact of own decisions.
• Able to take the lead on HR related projects to drive change and improvement throughout the organisation.

• Lunch on Hippo when passing probation.
• Departmental incentives.
• Works social events.
• Employee of the quarter scheme.
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Time for you - the opportunity to earn up to 4 early finishes/late starts per year.
• Internal development and progression opportunities.
• Eye care vouchers.
• Access to BEN the employee wellbeing support service.