Interim HR Manager in Devon, Exeter

12-Month Fixed-Term Contract - Benefits included in the role - Ilfracombe, North Devon

Are you an experienced HR professional who enjoys being close to the business, solving people challenges and making a genuine difference? We are looking for an Interim HR Manager to join a well-established engineering business in North Devon on a 12-month contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a broad, hands-on HR role within a respected FTSE 250 organisation, working closely with leaders and managers across the site.

The opportunity:

This is much more than an employee relations role. You will have the opportunity to influence the wider people agenda, balancing day-to-day HR delivery with longer-term initiatives around engagement, performance, talent and development. You will be a trusted partner to line managers, providing practical advice and guidance across the full employee lifecycle, while helping create a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

What you will be doing:

• Partner with line managers on all aspects of people management, providing confident and practical HR advice.
• Manage a broad range of employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability and performance matters.
• Support initiatives across employee engagement, performance management, talent acquisition and talent development.
• Oversee the full recruitment cycle for permanent roles across the site.
• Lead the site apprenticeship programme, from attracting and selecting candidates through to development and progression.
• Build strong relationships with the local college, mentors and internal stakeholders to continually improve the apprenticeship experience and outcomes.
• Manage compensation, benefits and performance review processes.
• Ensure HR activity remains compliant with UK employment legislation, company policies and best practice.
• Help foster a culture where people feel supported, valued and empowered to perform at their best.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for an HR professional who can combine strong operational HR expertise with a strategic mindset. You will ideally have:

• A degree or CIPD Level 5, alongside relevant HR management or HR advisory experience.
• Strong practical experience of UK employment law and employee relations.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at every level.
• A highly customer-focused approach and a genuine passion for supporting people and the wider business.
• The ability to switch comfortably between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.
• Strong planning, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an excellent chance to join a well-established engineering organisation in North Devon and gain valuable experience. You will have real visibility across the business, the opportunity to influence the people agenda and the chance to work with a broad range of stakeholders and HR challenges. And don’t worry if you don’t tick every box. We are interested in people with the right experience, attitude and potential. Nobody is perfect, and there’s plenty of opportunity to learn and develop along the way.

If you’re an experienced HR professional looking for a varied 12-month interim opportunity, then click APPLY NOW!