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- Tasks: Lead HR and payroll activities, ensuring compliance and efficiency across the organisation.
- Company: Established manufacturing business focused on growth and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension schemes, discounts, and long service recognition.
- Other info: Direct exposure to senior leadership and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Take ownership of HR processes and make a real impact in a stable environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR roles, ideally within manufacturing or similar sectors.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
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.
About You
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.
What’s on Offer
- 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) in Maidstone 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) in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those in manufacturing or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around employee relations and payroll processes. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their standalone HR function.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Payroll Manager (Standalone) in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR & Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing employee relations and payroll processes, as well as any relevant qualifications like CIPD Level 5. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this standalone HR role. Share specific examples of how you've improved HR systems or handled complex employee relations cases. Let us know how you can contribute to our growth!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working closely with senior leadership, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. In your application, mention instances where you've effectively communicated HR advice or insights to management. We love seeing candidates who can build relationships at all levels!
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. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around employee relations and payroll processes. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've managed and how you approached them, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s structure and recent changes. Knowing their operational needs and how HR can support them will help you provide relevant insights during the interview, making you stand out as a candidate who understands the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Leadership Discussions
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, think about how you can contribute to leadership discussions. Prepare examples of workforce trends or HR metrics you can bring to the table, showcasing your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in HR. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to demonstrate how you've built relationships at all levels in previous roles, as this will highlight your ability to connect with others effectively.