At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the HR function and shape company culture in a fast-growing defence AI company.
- Company: Join an innovative defence AI start-up with a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on role, and the chance to influence company culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be the first dedicated HR Manager and make a real impact on employee experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree preferred.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR Manager to join a fast-growing defence AI company of around 30 people. This is the organisation's first dedicated HR hire, so you'll be stepping into a hands-on and pivotal role where you can truly shape the HR function and influence company culture as the business continues to scale.
Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area – 5 days a week on site (please note this office location is very difficult to reach if commuting by public transport from London)
Salary: £55,000 – £70,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Requirements for HR Manager:
- Proven experience in a broad HR role, ideally within a start-up, scale-up, or fast-paced SME, where you were responsible for the entire HR function.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Comfortable operating as a standalone HR function, covering both strategic and day-to-day tasks.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, able to act as a trusted adviser to both employees and leadership.
- Proactive and adaptable with the ability to work independently.
- 2.1 or 1st class Degree in a related subject, i.e. Human Resource Management, Business, Management etc, with a strong academic history (preferred).
- CIPD Level 5 or above (desirable, not essential).
- A full UK driving licence is ideal.
- Due to the nature of some client projects, you must be willing and eligible to obtain Security Clearance.
Responsibilities for HR Manager:
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, probation, performance reviews, and offboarding.
- Act as the go-to person for all HR matters, providing guidance and support to employees and managers.
- Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook, ensuring compliance with UK employment law.
- Manage employee relations issues, offering practical and legally compliant solutions.
- Manage all employee travel logistics, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and local transport requirements.
- Coordinate payroll input and benefits administration in collaboration with finance and external providers.
- Maintain accurate HR systems and employee records.
- Support employee development, learning opportunities, and career progression initiatives.
- Lead engagement and culture-building activities to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Assist leadership with workforce planning and organisational development.
- Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including health & safety.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation.
What the role offers:
- The chance to set up and lead the HR function in a scaling defence AI company.
- A collaborative, innovative, and supportive working environment.
Applications:
If you're excited by the opportunity to join a growing defence AI company as their first HR Manager, please apply with your CV via the relevant links. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments to support your application, please email applications@redtech-recruit.com.
HR Manager employer: RedTech Recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative defence AI company as their first HR Manager, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the HR function and influence company culture in a collaborative and supportive environment. Located in the North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, this role offers competitive salary packages and the chance for significant personal and professional growth as the company scales. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this is an excellent place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR 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 RedTech Recruitment!
✨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 RedTech Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace HR 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 RedTech Recruitment. 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 RedTech Recruitment 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 RedTech Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to RedTech Recruitment'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 RedTech Recruitment
✨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 RedTech Recruitment.
✨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 RedTech Recruitment 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 RedTech Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.