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- Tasks: Lead HR and payroll activities, providing strategic advice to senior leaders.
- Company: Established manufacturing business focused on growth and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension schemes, discounts, and long service recognition.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and direct exposure to leadership.
- Why this job: Take ownership of HR processes and make a real impact in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations and employee relations; CIPD Level 5 preferred.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR and payroll professional to take full ownership of a standalone people function within a well-established manufacturing business that is currently strengthening its structure following a period of change and development.
This position works closely with senior leadership and plays a key role in ensuring the organisation’s people processes are effective, compliant, and aligned with operational needs across a mixed workforce environment. The role would suit someone currently working as a standalone HR Generalist who is ready to step into a broader position with increased responsibility, autonomy, and leadership exposure.
Key Responsibilities- Take full responsibility for HR and payroll activity across the business, supported by an HR & Payroll Assistant.
- Act as a key contact for senior leaders, providing practical and commercially focused HR advice.
- Contribute to leadership discussions by providing insight on workforce trends, reporting, and people matters.
- Improve and develop HR systems, reporting processes, and data accuracy to support efficiency and compliance.
- Manage a range of employee relations matters including absence, conduct, grievance, and performance issues.
- Support and guide managers in handling people issues effectively and consistently.
- Ensure fair, compliant and structured approaches to all employee relations activity.
- Review and support benefits and reward arrangements to aid retention and engagement.
- Oversee pension and benefits administration with external providers.
- Ensure accurate monthly payroll processing, delivered operationally by the HR & Payroll Assistant.
- Support audit activity and maintain strong governance across HR and payroll data.
We are looking for someone with experience in a hands-on HR role within a mixed workforce environment, ideally including manufacturing, production, logistics, FMCG, or similar sectors. You will likely have:
- Experience managing employee relations cases independently.
- A solid background in HR operations, with exposure to payroll processes.
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with payroll systems such as Sage 50 (desirable).
- Familiarity with HR systems such as BrightHR or similar (advantageous).
- A practical, calm and solutions-focused approach.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
- Confidence balancing operational HR delivery with wider business needs.
Full responsibility for a standalone HR function with oversight of payroll processes (payroll training can be provided where required). Direct exposure to senior leadership and involvement in key business decisions. Opportunity to help shape and improve HR processes and structure. A stable organisation that has recently completed a period of change and is now focused on growth and consolidation. Competitive benefits package including pension, salary sacrifice schemes, cycle to work, discounts, long service recognition and more. Genuine opportunity for development as the business evolves.
HR & Payroll Manager (Standalone) employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR & Payroll Manager (Standalone)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing employee relations and payroll processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your hands-on HR experience and how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Payroll Manager (Standalone)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR & Payroll Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR operations and payroll processes, especially if you've worked in a mixed workforce environment like manufacturing or logistics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this standalone position. Share specific examples of how you've managed employee relations or improved HR systems in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to build relationships at all levels. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this skill.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR and payroll knowledge, especially in a manufacturing context. Familiarise yourself with relevant laws and best practices, as well as the specific systems mentioned in the job description, like Sage 50 or BrightHR.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in detail, particularly any standalone HR positions you've held. Highlight your experience managing employee relations cases and how you've contributed to leadership discussions in the past.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Demonstrate your calm and practical approach by preparing examples of how you've resolved HR issues effectively. Think about times when you've improved processes or handled complex situations, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this role involves working closely with senior leaders. Show your strong communication skills by asking insightful questions about the company's culture and future plans. This will not only demonstrate your interest but also help you assess if it's the right fit for you.