HR Manager (SME business) in Chichester

Great opportunity to 'professionalise' the HR function for an SME business. Hands-on HR role building out process/best practice. Primarily an onsite role.

As HR Manager (SME business), this is a pivotal role within the company, being responsible for leading and developing the People function while providing comprehensive HR support across the organisation. As the primary HR lead, you will act as a trusted advisor to managers and colleagues, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, supporting organisational growth, and driving people-focused initiatives that align with business objectives.

The role requires a hands-on HR professional who thrives in an agile SME environment, balancing strategic planning with operational delivery. You will be responsible for maintaining and developing HR systems, policies, processes and employee engagement initiatives whilst contributing to wider business decisions as a member of the SLT.

• HR Leadership & Business Partnering
  • Lead and develop the HR function, ensuring it supports the ongoing growth and success of the business.
  • Act as the first point of contact and trusted advisor for all HR-related matters across the business.
  • Attend and actively contribute to Senior Leadership Team and management meetings, providing updates on staffing, recruitment, people initiatives, organisational structure and business risks.
  • Support business projects and strategic initiatives from a people lens.
  • Promote values and culture across all areas of the business.
• Employee Relations & Compliance
  • Provide professional guidance and support to managers on employee relations matters including performance management, disciplinary processes, grievances, absence management and capability concerns.
  • Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop, review and maintain HR policies, procedures and documentation to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
  • Manage and maintain the HR Information System (BrightHR).
• Recruitment, Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle
  • Oversee the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, induction, development, retention and offboarding.
  • Manage recruitment activities across the organisation, supporting hiring managers to attract and retain high-quality talent.
  • Lead and maintain the onboarding and compliance platform (Credentially), ensuring all workforce documentation and checks are completed.
  • Support payroll administration processes through accurate employee data management.
  • Coordinate training, development and performance review processes.
• Workforce Planning & Organisational Development
  • Monitor organisational structures and workforce planning requirements, making recommendations to support business growth.
  • Support managers with organisational change, restructuring and workforce planning projects.
  • Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems and employee experience.
  • Manage employee engagement initiatives and contribute towards maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• HR Reporting & Data Management
  • Produce HR reports, metrics and workforce data to support business decision-making.
  • Support data-driven decision-making through analysis of HR and workforce trends.
  • Maintain accurate and insightful reporting to support planning and operational effectiveness.
• Line Management
  • Provide direct line management to one HR team member, supporting their day-to-day performance, development and wellbeing.

This role is primarily an onsite role, and requires the post-holder to work onsite at the office in Chichester a minimum of 4 days per week. Parking is available, and the office is close to the train station.

The Successful Applicant:

• Proven experience in a standalone HR Generalist, HR Manager or People Manager role.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Demonstrable experience across the employee lifecycle, including HR process and policies, Employee Relations, coaching and developing line manager capability, L&D, employee engagement, change management, and much more.
• Experience working within an SME environment, managing a broad range of HR responsibilities.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification (minimum) or equivalent HR experience.
• A strong interest in/lived experience of Autism or ADHD would be considered highly advantageous.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Comfortable balancing strategic HR initiatives with operational delivery.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and prioritise competing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite and associated business applications including experience of using an HRIS - preferably BrightHR.

This role is primarily an onsite role, and requires the post-holder to work onsite at the office in Chichester a minimum of 4 days per week. Parking is available, and the office is close to the train station.

This is a great opportunity to truly develop an HR function work for a very successful SME organisation where values and people lie at the absolute heart of the business.