HR Manager in Pitsea

An established and highly respected UK SME is seeking an experienced HR Manager to take ownership of its people function and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this standalone position offers a unique opportunity to influence culture, develop strategic HR initiatives, and make a visible impact across the entire organisation. Employing approximately 40 people, the company is recognised for its technical excellence, innovation, and commitment to delivering exceptional results. The successful candidate will join a passionate and talented workforce within a specialist engineering and manufacturing environment, supporting both office-based and operational teams.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on generalist role combining strategic leadership with day-to-day HR delivery. The successful HR Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing a people strategy aligned to business objectives, while ensuring operational HR processes are effective, compliant, and supportive of business growth. Key areas of focus will include employee relations, recruitment and onboarding, performance management, policy development, reward and recognition, learning and development, employee engagement, and organisational development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an HR strategy that supports business performance and growth.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all people-related matters.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and compliance.
• Review and enhance HR policies, procedures, and people processes.
• Design and implement reward and recognition initiatives that improve engagement and retention.
• Create and deliver Learning & Development frameworks, including leadership development, technical training, apprenticeships, and career pathways.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Support managers in developing effective people management skills.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and HR best practice.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, commercially aware HR professional with experience operating in a standalone or small-team environment. You will have:

• Proven generalist HR experience, ideally within an SME, manufacturing, engineering, or technical environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience developing HR strategies aligned with business goals.
• A track record of improving employee engagement, learning and development, and reward frameworks.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification (desirable).

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to build and shape the HR function within a growing business where your contribution will be highly visible and valued. You will work closely with senior leadership, influence the company’s people agenda, and help create an environment where employees can thrive and perform at their best. If you are an ambitious HR professional looking for a role where you can genuinely make a difference, we would love to hear from you.