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- Tasks: Join us as an HR Manager, handling recruitment, employee relations, and health & safety.
- Company: We're a dynamic business with a focus on positive work culture and employee engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 4-month rolling contract with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while enhancing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 2 years in a generalist HR role and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Based in Southend with occasional travel to London; perfect for proactive, people-focused individuals.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position: HR Manager (4-Month Rolling Maternity Cover Contract)
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Contract Type: 4-month rolling contract (maternity cover)
Hours: 8am - 5pm
We're looking for an experienced and adaptable HR Manager to join our team on a maternity cover basis. This 4-month rolling contract will support the HR function across three of our Europe businesses (approx. 70-80 employees) located in Southend and London.
As the HR Manager, you'll be responsible for all aspects of the employee lifecycle, ensuring legal compliance, maintaining a positive work culture, and supporting our managers and teams. You will also play a hands-on role in health & safety and site management.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes
- Handling employee relations matters, disciplinaries, and welfare support
- Maintaining and updating HR policies and employment documentation
- Leading the annual appraisal process and supporting training coordination
- Ensuring HR records are accurate, up to date, and GDPR-compliant
- Collaborating with the Finance team to ensure payroll alignment
- Managing health & safety procedures with third-party support
- Providing first-line HR advice to staff and coaching to managers
- Overseeing employee engagement initiatives and internal communications
- Site management duties, including supervision of the Southend receptionist and coordination of facilities and contractor services
The role is based in our Southend studio, with occasional travel to London as required.
Key Qualities / Skills for a HR Manager:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Solid understanding of employment law and HR best practices
- Able to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism
- Highly organised with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively
- Confident working independently
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel)
- Experience with Apple Mac systems (helpful but not essential)
- Familiarity with health & safety and risk assessments
Experience Required for a HR Manager:
- At least 2 years in a generalist HR role (essential)
- Previous experience in health & safety responsibilities (preferred)
This is a great opportunity for an experienced HR professional to step in and support a growing business. If you're proactive and people-focused, we'd love to hear from you.
If you're interested in this role, please apply today.
Contact Detail:
Kairos Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR policies and employment laws relevant to the UK, especially those that pertain to maternity cover. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former HR professionals in similar roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, which you can reference during your discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with employee relations and health & safety procedures. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled sensitive situations or improved workplace culture in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a plan for how you would approach the first few weeks in the role. This could include strategies for managing recruitment and onboarding processes effectively during the maternity cover period.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HR management, particularly in areas like recruitment, employee relations, and compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the HR function and your ability to manage sensitive situations. Mention your familiarity with employment law and health & safety, as these are key aspects of the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your previous HR roles, especially any experience with maternity cover or short-term contracts. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Since strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for this position, provide examples of how you've successfully managed employee relations or facilitated training sessions in your past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kairos Recruitment
✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your understanding of employment law and HR best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in managing sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
As an HR Manager, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively handled employee relations matters or coached managers in the past. This will show your ability to maintain a positive work culture.
✨Highlight Organisational Skills
Given the multitasking nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. Share specific instances where your organisational skills made a difference in your previous positions.
✨Prepare for Health & Safety Questions
Since the role involves health & safety responsibilities, be prepared to talk about your experience in this area. Familiarise yourself with relevant procedures and be ready to discuss how you've managed these aspects in past roles.
