People/HR Manager (fixed-term, 13 months)

We’re looking for a practical, approachable and thoughtful People Manager to join our team at Neal’s Yard Dairy on a fixed-term basis to cover a period of maternity leave. Founded in 1979, our mission is to Improve British Cheese. We’re a long-established business with deep roots, and we take a considered, steady approach to how we work. We value craft, community and doing things well. That same approach shapes how we support, develop, and care for our people.

This is a hands‑on, generalist HR role for someone who enjoys being part of the business rather than sitting alongside it. You’ll build strong relationships with managers and teams, provide calm and sensible HR advice, and help us continue to foster a warm, collaborative workplace culture with a down‑to‑earth approach to people management. You’ll provide day‑to‑day support and guidance to the People Coordinator, who will report directly to you, and you’ll cover elements of the People Director’s role during their maternity leave. The role reports directly to the Managing Director and involves regular collaboration with senior management across the business.

Role Details:

• Part‑time, fixed‑term maternity cover
• Hours: 36 hours/4 days per week (flexible patterns considered)
• Location: Bermondsey (office and maturation rooms), with some hybrid working supported

We’re open to different working patterns and encourage applications from people who may not be able to work standard days or hours.

What you’ll be doing:

• Hiring & Onboarding: Advise managers on fair, consistent recruitment practices; Support job description development and interview design; Play a key role in seasonal recruitment during our busiest period; Schedule and attend interviews where appropriate; Make job offers, issue contracts, and complete right‑to‑work checks; Maintain accurate records on our HRIS (Fourth Hospitality).
• Payroll & Wages: Support managers and employees with payroll‑related queries; Assist the People Coordinator with monthly payroll processing; Prepare and deliver the annual wage review; Work with department managers on wage forecasting and cost planning.
• Working with Managers: Work closely with Directors and departmental managers to align people practices with operational needs; Build strong relationships across the business, acting as a trusted and approachable point of contact; Support managers to develop confidence and capability in people management.
• Employee Relations: Provide pragmatic, people‑centred advice on HR policies, employment law, and best practice; Support and attend employee relations meetings (disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability, flexible working); Prepare and issue appropriate documentation for employee relations cases.
• Other work: Deliver high‑quality HR administration and operational support; Review and maintain HR policies in line with current employment law; Support health & safety planning, inductions, and handbook reviews; Work with the QA team to prepare for the annual Food Safety (SALSA) audit; Monitor and coordinate employee training; Process employment changes (contract amendments, promotions, leavers); Assist with, and where appropriate deliver, workshops on key HR processes; Ensure confidentiality and GDPR compliance at all times; Embed DEI thinking into processes and everyday people practices.

About you:

You’ll be someone who brings sound judgement and a steady approach. You’ll be confident advising managers, calm under pressure, and experienced in delivering effective, people‑centred HR support. You’ll be able to balance the needs of individuals, teams, and the wider business, offering fair and well‑judged advice and helping find solutions that work for everyone.

You’ll bring:

• CIPD Level 3 or above or at least three years’ experience in a HR Generalist or Advisor role.
• A strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience managing recruitment processes end‑to‑end.
• Confidence handling complex employee relations cases up to appeal.
• Strong organisational and written communication skills.
• Good numeracy skills and experience working with budgets or forecasts.
• A proactive, pragmatic, and collaborative working style.
• High attention to detail, discretion, and professionalism.
• Competence in Microsoft Office (experience with Fourth Hospitality is a bonus - training provided).
• Curiosity about food - and an interest in learning about (and eating!) cheese.

How to apply:

To apply, please complete the form below by end of day on 1st March 2026. We ask for a copy of your CV and a detailed covering note explaining your reasons for applying for this role and what you feel you would bring to it. All applicants will need to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed to support you through our recruitment process.

As part of our recruitment process, Neal’s Yard Dairy collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. Please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice for further information.