HR Manager (20 hours weekly, 12-month maternity cover)

HR Manager (20 hours weekly, 12-month maternity cover)

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR activities, support teams, and manage recruitment in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: MORI, a trendy baby clothing brand with a mission to inspire kinder generations.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid working, and up to 50% discount on collections.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a hands-on role during maternity cover.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while fostering a positive company culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience as an HR Manager in small businesses and strong interpersonal skills.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

MORI is a digitally native, direct-to-consumer baby and toddler clothing brand established and headquartered in London. We exist to inspire parents to raise kinder generations so together we can give babies a softer & stronger start. We are a hard‑working and close‑knit team dedicated to creating quality products and a brand loved by parents, globally.

We’re looking for an experienced HR Manager with small business experience to cover a 12‑month maternity leave on a part‑time 20 hour per week basis, commencing February 2026. This hands‑on, generalist role involves managing all HR activities across the business, supporting both remote and in‑office teams, and overseeing a remote HR Coordinator to keep operations running smoothly.

You will take ownership of all HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, learning & development, and office operations, making this role ideal for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and being involved in every aspect of HR in a dynamic, fast‑paced small business environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and deliver all HR activities across the business during maternity cover
  • Manage, mentor and support the remote HR Coordinator
  • Act as a trusted point of contact for senior management, all employees and contractors
  • Lead recruitment, onboarding and offboarding processes
  • Lead employee engagement, motivation and retention initiatives
  • Implement and monitor HR systems, policies and procedures
  • Foster a positive, healthy working environment – both remote and in‑office
  • Compile and coordinate payroll
  • Project‑manage performance review cycles and champion professional development
  • Plan regular company socials (in‑person and remote) and cultural and reward initiatives
  • Ensure legal compliance across all HR activities in the UK and in South Africa
  • Report to senior management with HR metrics and insights to support decision‑making

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as an HR Manager or senior HR generalist in a small or medium‑sized business
  • Hands‑on, proactive approach, comfortable with a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves mentality
  • Experience managing remote and in‑office teams
  • Strong interpersonal skills; kind, compassionate, collaborative and personable
  • Sound knowledge of UK HR legislation and compliance
  • Ability to step into an existing HR function and keep operations running seamlessly

What We Offer

  • Hybrid working with a minimum of 1 day per week in our West London office
  • Flexible working hours (core hours between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm)
  • Opportunity to lead HR in a small but growing business
  • Supportive, kind and collaborative team environment
  • Chance to make a real impact and maintain a strong company culture during maternity cover
  • Up to 50% discount on our collections

HR Manager (20 hours weekly, 12-month maternity cover) employer: MORI

MORI is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Hybrid Logistics & Supply Chain Coordinator, you will benefit from comprehensive employee growth opportunities, including a clear progression path to Senior Operations Coordinator, while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a forward-thinking environment that embraces data-driven insights and AI tools to enhance operational efficiency.

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Contact Details:

MORI Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Manager (20 hours weekly, 12-month maternity cover)

✨Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

✨Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at MORI!

✨Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

✨Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at MORI.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager (20 hours weekly, 12-month maternity cover)

HR Management
Recruitment
Employee Relations
Performance Management
Learning & Development
Remote Team Management
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at MORI. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to MORI and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at MORI. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to MORI's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at MORI

✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with MORI.

✨Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

✨Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at MORI will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

✨Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact MORI and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.