At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, manage employee relations, and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in Grays, Essex, focused on people strategy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career growth and involvement in senior leadership.
- Why this job: Shape HR practices and make a real impact on workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, especially in unionised environments, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Operations Manager to join a dynamic site-based team. This is a key leadership role within Human Resources, offering the opportunity to influence people strategy, drive employee relations, and support operational excellence. Reporting into the Head of HR, you will deliver a full spectrum of generalist HR support, with a strong focus on absence management, employee relations, and union engagement. You will also lead and develop a small HR team, ensuring high-quality and consistent HR service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Absence Management
- Oversee and monitor employee absence, ensuring compliance with policies and legislation
- Partner with Occupational Health to manage long-term sickness cases
- Analyse absence trends and provide actionable insights to leadership
- Support managers with return-to-work processes and complex absence matters
- Lead ill-health dismissal and medical incapacity processes in line with best practice
- Employee Relations
- Provide expert advice on disciplinary, grievance, and performance management issues
- Promote fair and consistent application of HR policies
- Proactively resolve conflicts and support a positive workplace culture
- Union & Collective Bargaining
- Play a key role in collective bargaining activities
- Lead or support negotiations and consultations with union representatives
- Act as a primary HR contact at regular union forums
- Build strong, effective relationships between management and employee representatives
- Generalist HR & Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop HR Advisors
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and talent initiatives
- Ensure accurate and confidential HR administration and record-keeping
- Contribute to policy development and HR improvement initiatives
- Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
- Produce monthly HR reports and provide insights to senior leadership
- Ensure data integrity and confidentiality
- Represent HR at senior management meetings, contributing to strategic discussions
About You
We are looking for a confident and experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, operational environment. You will bring:
- Proven experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within a unionised environment (Essential)
- Hands-on experience with collective bargaining and union engagement (Essential)
- Strong absence management expertise, including complex case handling (Essential)
- Experience leading or supervising HR team members
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong analytical and reporting capabilities
- Ability to prioritise and deliver under pressure
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Degree and/or CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
What You’ll Bring to the Role
- High levels of integrity and professionalism
- A collaborative and proactive approach
- A commitment to building positive working relationships across all levels
- A strong focus on health, safety, and wellbeing
Additional Information
- Site-based role with occasional travel – 4 days on site and one day from home
- Involvement in senior leadership forums
- Opportunity to shape HR practices and support organisational success
HR Operations Manager in Chelmsford employer: Pure Resourcing Solutions
Join a prestigious local organisation on the outskirts of Ipswich, where you will be valued as a key player in financial management. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including hybrid working options, this role not only offers a chance to lead a finance team but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth in a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Operations Manager in Chelmsford
✨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 Pure Resourcing Solutions!
✨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 Pure Resourcing Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations Manager in Chelmsford
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 Pure Resourcing Solutions. 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 Pure Resourcing Solutions 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 Pure Resourcing Solutions. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Pure Resourcing Solutions'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 Pure Resourcing Solutions
✨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 Pure Resourcing Solutions.
✨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 Pure Resourcing Solutions 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 Pure Resourcing Solutions and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
