At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the full employee lifecycle and support HR operations in a growing SME.
- Company: Dynamic SME in Maidstone, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy significant autonomy and exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people strategy and shape the HR function.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience, with strong HR knowledge and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: £40,000 – £55,000
Location: Maidstone, Kent (Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office)
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for the opportunity to take ownership of a people function and make a genuine impact? We’re partnering with a growing and successful SME to recruit an HR Manager to support a workforce of approximately 45 employees. This is a standalone role offering broad exposure across the full employee lifecycle, working closely with the senior leadership team to deliver both operational HR excellence and people-focused initiatives.
Reporting directly to the CFO, you will act as the trusted HR partner for managers and employees across the business, providing practical HR support while helping to shape and develop people processes as the organisation continues to grow.
The Role
This opportunity is well suited to an experienced HR Advisor looking to step into a broader management role, or an established HR Manager who enjoys working within a hands-on SME environment. You’ll have full responsibility for day-to-day HR operations while also contributing to wider people projects and business initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Employee Lifecycle & HR Operations
- Manage the full employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding
- Maintain employee records and HR systems
- Prepare contracts, letters and employment documentation
- Coordinate monthly payroll inputs and benefits administration
- Employee Relations
- Act as the first point of contact for employee relations matters
- Advise managers on performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance issues
- Ensure cases are managed fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation
- Maintain accurate records and documentation
- Policy & Compliance
- Review and maintain HR policies and procedures
- Monitor employment law developments and recommend changes where required
- Support managers in the consistent application of policies and processes
- Recruitment & Development
- Coordinate recruitment activity across the business
- Manage relationships with external recruitment partners
- Support hiring managers throughout the recruitment process
- Organise training and development initiatives
- Reporting & Projects
- Produce HR reports and people metrics for the leadership team
- Support organisational development and people-related projects
- Contribute to employee engagement and continuous improvement initiatives
About You
We’re looking for a proactive and confident HR professional who enjoys working independently and building strong relationships across a business. You’ll ideally have:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience)
- Previous experience in a generalist HR role at Advisor level or above
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience managing employee relations cases independently
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- A pragmatic, hands-on approach
- Experience within an SME or growing business environment would be advantageous
What’s on Offer
- Salary of £40,000 – £55,000 depending on experience
- Hybrid working model with two office days per week
- Significant ownership and autonomy within the role
- Exposure to senior leadership and decision-making
- Opportunity to shape and develop the HR function
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Clear opportunity for professional growth as the business continues to evolve
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a visible impact, influence people strategy and develop your career within a growing organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Human Resources Manager in Dartford employer: HR Heads
At HR Heads, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of the United Kingdom. Our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and mentorship, ensuring that every employee can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing workforce governance and risk management, where your contributions will directly influence our organisational resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager in Dartford
✨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 HR Heads!
✨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 HR Heads.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager in Dartford
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 HR Heads. 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 HR Heads 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 HR Heads. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to HR Heads'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 HR Heads
✨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 HR Heads.
✨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 HR Heads 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 HR Heads and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
