Deputy HR Manager

Overview

If you are looking for a new challenge with a global market leader which designs and manufactures aerospace search and rescue equipment, HR Smith Group of Companies is the one for you. We are a family run business with over 6 decades of experience and are dedicated to finding the perfect solutions for our customers.

Role

We’re seeking a highly organised, dependable and delivery-focused Deputy HR Manager to support the day-to-day transactional HR operations across the Group. Reporting to the HR Manager, this role plays a key part in maintaining compliance, supporting managers and staff, and ensuring the smooth running of core people processes. This is a hands-on operational role ideal for someone who thrives in HR delivery and people support, but does not seek to lead on strategy or influence change at senior level. You will supervise a small team of HR/payroll administrators and general duties staff, work closely with a part-time HR Advisor, and ensure consistency in HR systems, records, absence management and recruitment delivery. While the Deputy HR Manager will be visible and trusted across the business, HR policy, strategy, and operational ownership remain with the HR Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of day-to-day HR operations across the Group to ensure smooth and compliant HR services.
• Act as the first point of contact for routine HR queries, providing advice and escalating complex matters to the HR Manager as needed.
• Maintain and regularly update HR policies, the staff handbook, and employment contracts, ensuring compliance with current legislation.
• Assist with delivering employee relations training to line managers and monitor mandatory training completion, following up on any gaps.
• Take ownership of absence management, including monitoring absence data, supporting managers with return-to-work interviews, and advising on both short and long-term absence cases.
• Provide hands-on support with employee relations casework, including investigations and documentation for absence, disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters.
• Maintain accurate absence records, dashboard and reports; identify patterns, ensure timely action.
• Review and approve contracts of employment, offer letters, and letters of variation in the HR Manager’s absence.
• Conduct appraisals and performance reviews for junior administrative and support staff as required.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and offboarding processes, including posting adverts, screening candidates, conducting interviews, and managing candidate progression.
• Coordinate leaver processes, including conducting exit interviews and ensuring documentation and systems are updated.
• Supervise administrative support teams, including staff handling company fleet vehicles, reception and facilities.
• Oversee sickness records, and timesheet monitoring for relevant employees.
• Support third-line payroll checks, including validation of P32s, pay variances and absence-related payments.
• Assist with quality control of employee records, HR documentation, and spreadsheets to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support DBS checks, right to work verifications, visa sponsorship and compliance with UKVI requirements as a 2ndary Authorising Officer.
• Conduct internal audits of HR records and processes to ensure compliance with GDPR and employment law.
• Take accurate minutes during formal HR meetings and manage case file documentation.
• Liaise with Accounts on fleet insurance claims, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided.
• Promote employee wellbeing, engagement and health initiatives in partnership with senior management and the HR Manager.
• Assist with ad hoc HR projects, operational improvements and other HR-related administrative duties as requested.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience managing absence-related casework.
• Sound understanding of UK employment law and best practice relating to attendance, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters.
• 3–5 years of HR experience, with at least 1–2 years in a senior HR officer or supervisory role.
• Confidence in giving first-line advice to managers, with the judgement to escalate appropriately.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to interpret absence trends and prepare clear, useful reports.
• Experience supervising administrative or HR support staff.
• Able to prioritise a high-volume, task-focused workload while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a patient, pragmatic, and professional approach to working with employees, managers and stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a traditional structure, supporting (not challenging) the organisation’s values and operational processes.
• Discreet and respectful in handling confidential matters.

Qualifications (one or more of the following):

• CIPD Level 5 or above (or working towards).
• Degree in HR or relevant discipline.

Benefits include:

• Free onsite parking.
• Free refreshments (tea and coffee).
• Casual dress.
• Company social events.
• Opportunity for company bonuses.
• Cost of living reviews carried out annually by the Directors.
• 20 days holiday plus bank holidays and your birthday off (to be taken any time in the year).
• Long service holiday accrual scheme - 1 extra holiday day per year from 5-10 years’ service up to a max of 26 days.
• Life Insurance Scheme – 3x annual salary.
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

We have a positive, professional and welcoming environment; you will have the opportunity to work within a fully integrated multidisciplinary business. We offer good job security and stability with career development opportunities for the right candidate.

Employment Details

• Full time position.
• Hours are based on a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm with half an hour each day for lunch.
• No weekend, evening or bank holiday working.
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include free internal training provided as required and opportunities to progress, promote internally and up skill.

Note: Due to the nature of the business being a manufacturing environment, working from home arrangements are not available.

This is an exciting time to join the company as we expand our capabilities, invest in new opportunities and strengthen our team with talented individuals who are passionate about making an impact.

If you want to find out more about one of Herefordshire’s largest hi-tech companies then please visit our website: www.hr-smith.com. If you are interested in this role, please email your CV to recruitment@hrsmith.biz.

Contact: The HR Department, HR Smith Group of Companies, Unit 416, Tarsmill Court, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, HR2 6JZ.