At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and shape a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Join PHARMExcel, a top UK Clinical Research Organisation with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and a passion for people.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
PHARMExcel is a leading UK-based Clinical Research Organisation (CRO), supporting Phase I–IV clinical trials for academia, biopharma, and medical device organisations. We’re proud of our reputation for quality, collaboration, and delivering real impact and as we continue to grow, we’re investing in our people to ensure we maintain a supportive, engaging, and high-performing culture.
About the role
This is a key standalone role at the heart of the business. As our HR & Culture Manager, you’ll take full ownership of the HR function, working closely with the CEO and leadership team to support our people and shape the employee experience. We’re looking for someone who combines strong HR fundamentals and employment law knowledge with a genuine passion for people, culture, and wellbeing. You’ll be confident working independently, comfortable advising senior stakeholders, and able to balance hands‑on HR delivery with shaping a positive and inclusive culture.
What you’ll be doing
- HR Leadership & Operations
- Lead the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to onboarding, development, and offboarding
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and managers on all people‑related matters
- Manage and continuously improve HR processes, policies, and systems
- Provide HR insights and reporting to support business decision‑making
- Employee Relations & Compliance
- Manage employee relations matters including disciplinaries, grievances, absence, and performance
- Ensure compliance with UK employment law, keeping policies and practices up to date
- Take a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach to managing risk
- Work with external HR providers where appropriate
- Champion a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
- Lead employee engagement initiatives, including surveys and action planning
- Design and deliver wellbeing initiatives that support our team’s mental and physical health
- Support the development and embedding of company values
- Contribute to initiatives such as Investors in People (IIP)
- Performance & Reward
- Manage and improve performance and appraisal processes
- Support salary reviews, benchmarking, and benefits
- Monitor key people metrics such as engagement, absence, and retention
About you
We are looking for someone who is professional, warm, and approachable with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Someone who can work under pressure, with the ability to prioritise tasks accordingly. A confident and flexible individual who is organised, diligent and passionate about supporting their colleagues and the wider goals of a growing CRO.
- Proven experience in a generalist HR role
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
- A positive, approachable style and strong team ethos
- Proficient use of HR software and MS Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Additional benefits package
- Competitive pay & company bonus (performance based)
- Private medical insurance & paid professional memberships
- Generous annual leave + your birthday off
- Remote & flexible working
- Career growth and training & development
- Family‑friendly policies
- 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Wellbeing, ESG, and charity initiatives
- Supportive and collaborative work culture
Why PHARMExcel?
- Opportunity to own and shape the HR function in a growing business
- A supportive, collaborative team culture
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Real opportunity to make a visible impact
Our values
At PHARMExcel, how we work is just as important as what we deliver. We value:
- Integrity - we act with honesty, trust, and professionalism
- Quality - we take pride in doing things well
- Teamwork - we support and respect each other
- Passion - we bring energy and commitment to what we do
- Impact - we make a meaningful difference for our people and our clients
Equal opportunity statement
PHARMExcel is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. Our ethos is to respect and value people’s differences, and to help everyone achieve and be their best at work as well as in their personal lives so that they feel proud of the part they play in our success. We believe that all decisions about people at work should be based on the individual’s abilities, skills, performance and behaviour and our business requirements. PHARMExcel operates a zero-tolerance policy to any form of discrimination, abuse or harassment.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today and be part of something exciting at PHARMExcel.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR & Culture Manager
✨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 PHARMExcel Ltd!
✨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 PHARMExcel Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Culture Manager
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 PHARMExcel Ltd. 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 PHARMExcel Ltd 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 PHARMExcel Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to PHARMExcel Ltd'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 PHARMExcel Ltd
✨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 PHARMExcel Ltd.
✨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 PHARMExcel Ltd 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 PHARMExcel Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
