HR Manager in Manchester

IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end infrastructure solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, providing survey, design, construction and maintenance services nationwide. We are committed to innovation, safety, engineering excellence and sustainable delivery. Headquartered in Manchester, IES continues to grow as a trusted partner in the UK’s critical infrastructure sector.

The HR Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the people agenda across IES Utilities Group. This role blends operational HR excellence with strategic development, covering three key areas:

• HR Administration & People Systems – building and maintaining a robust and efficient HR information and document repository, enabling a strategic and compliant people framework that supports the business as it scales.
• Recruitment & Resourcing – providing recruitment expertise and hands-on support to ensure IES attracts, assesses, and appoints the best talent across the group.
• HR Manager Leadership – leading the full spectrum of HR disciplines including people strategy, performance management, employee relations, workforce planning, wellbeing, talent management, and organisational development.

The HR Manager will act as a trusted partner to leaders across the business, ensuring IES has the right people, processes, and capability to deliver on its operational and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Administration & People Systems
  • Build, implement, and maintain a centralised HR repository, ensuring all HR policies, templates, and people records are controlled, current, and compliant.
  • Develop and maintain a structured HR information system (HRIS) to support employee lifecycle processes, reporting, and analytics.
  • Ensure HR processes (onboarding, HR letters, contracts, absence, performance documentation, change-of-status workflows) are efficient, standardised, and auditable.
  • Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and employment legislation, ensuring appropriate retention and disposal schedules.
  • Continually improve HR systems, tools, and processes to support scalability, consistency, and high-quality people management.
• Recruitment & Resourcing
  • Lead the end-to-end recruitment process for IES, from role scoping and advertising through to offers and onboarding.
  • Partner with hiring managers to develop accurate job descriptions, role briefs, and recruitment strategies.
  • Manage direct sourcing channels (LinkedIn, job boards, referrals) to reduce reliance on agencies.
  • Advise managers on interviewing, assessment methods, and selection decisions.
  • Build a talent pipeline for critical roles and support future workforce planning.
  • Ensure inclusive, fair, and compliant recruitment practices aligned with IES values.
• HR Manager Activity (Full HR Generalist Leadership)
  • Act as the day-to-day HR expert for managers, providing guidance across all HR matters.
  • Manage employee relations including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and performance cases—ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
  • Lead the annual performance management process, including objective setting, reviews, and coaching for managers.
  • Support development of the organisational people strategy and contribute to business planning discussions.
  • Lead workforce planning, succession planning and talent management activities.
  • Drive wellbeing initiatives, engagement activities, and cultural development.
  • Support organisational change initiatives such as restructures, TUPE, and workforce transitions.
  • Provide HR data, analysis, and insight to senior leadership.
  • Ensure HR practices meet employment law, best practice, and internal governance standards.

Professional Qualifications & Experience

• CIPD Level 5 (desirable). If not currently held, IES will fund and support the successful candidate to complete this qualification.
• Demonstrable experience in a generalist HR role with responsibility across the full HR lifecycle.
• Experience supporting or leading recruitment activities in a fast-paced, operational environment.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience implementing or managing HR systems and document control processes.

Core Competencies & Behaviours

• Leadership & Management Competencies
  • Strong advisory and coaching capability, enabling managers to develop their people leadership skills.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work proactively.
  • High levels of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgement.
• Technical Competencies
  • HR policy, employment law, and procedural knowledge.
  • Competent in recruitment processes, interview techniques, and candidate assessment.
  • Process improvement mindset with experience building or refining HR tools or systems.
  • Strong written communication skills, including the creation of HR documentation and business reports.