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- Tasks: Be the go-to HR expert, managing the full employee lifecycle and supporting managers.
- Company: Join a boutique insurance firm in Bedford, known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 12-month contract with opportunities for professional development and a positive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while building strong relationships across the business.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, understanding of UK employment law, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: CIPD or CII CPD is desirable; must be accessible to the Bedford office.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting a standalone HR Manager to join our boutique insurance client based in Bedford. This is a 12 month fixed term contract, reporting into senior management, you will be the go-to person for HR support across the business, covering the full employee lifecycle. This is a generalist role offering plenty of variety; the successful candidate will need to be hands on and confident building relationships with stakeholders, delivering an excellent HR service to employees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a trusted advisor to managers, building strong relationships and offering pragmatic HR guidance.
- Manage the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding through to offboarding.
- Lead on employee relations matters, supporting with investigations, disciplinaries and grievances.
- Keep all employee records up to date and support HR reporting requirements.
- Support and coach managers in applying policies and procedures fairly and consistently.
- Collaborate across teams to enhance the overall employee experience.
- Contribute to recruitment, learning and development, payroll coordination and talent initiatives.
- Ensure HR policies remain up to date with employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Support C-Suite/SLT with various projects and business operations.
- Champion company values and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
- Maintain personal HR knowledge and professional development (CIPD or CII CPD desirable).
The Profile:
- Proven HR generalist experience, ideally within a regulated or SME environment.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Confident managing ER issues with a solutions-focused approach.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organised, proactive and adaptable.
If you are looking to join a supportive business where you can truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you. The office is based in Bedford so you will need to be accessible to this location.
HR Manager in Bedford employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Contact Detail:
Oakleaf Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR challenges faced by boutique insurance firms. Research common employee relations issues in this sector and think about how you can address them effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with HR professionals in the insurance industry, especially those who have experience in SMEs. Attend local HR events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and make connections that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships with stakeholders during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with management or teams to enhance employee experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest UK employment laws and HR best practices. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of current legislation will show your commitment to maintaining compliance and supporting the business effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your HR generalist experience, particularly in regulated or SME environments. Emphasise your understanding of UK employment law and any relevant qualifications like CIPD.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your ability to build relationships with stakeholders and provide pragmatic HR guidance. Use specific examples from your past experiences to showcase your skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on your communication and interpersonal skills in your application. Mention your proactive approach and adaptability, as these are key traits for the HR Manager role.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Express your passion for contributing to a positive workplace culture and enhancing the employee experience. Let them know why you want to work with their boutique insurance company specifically.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Know Your HR Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in managing employee relations and the full employee lifecycle.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role requires building strong relationships with stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with managers or teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve provided pragmatic HR guidance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in employee relations matters. Prepare to discuss specific situations where you handled investigations, disciplinaries, or grievances, focusing on your solutions-focused approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As the role is highly varied, illustrate your ability to stay organised and proactive. Share examples of how you've managed multiple HR tasks simultaneously, such as onboarding, reporting, and policy updates, while maintaining attention to detail.
