At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, support managers, and enhance workplace culture.
- Company: Established business focused on positive growth and employee engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life insurance, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and make a real impact on people management.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and preferably CIPD qualified.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: East Kent / Office-based
Employment type: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 DOE
Are you an experienced HR Manager who thrives in a busy, hands-on operational environment and enjoys being visible and present across a business rather than hidden away behind a desk? Are you someone who combines sound HR practice with genuine commercial judgement to make a real difference to the people and culture of an organisation?
We are delighted to be working exclusively with a well-established business at a pivotal and exciting point in their journey. Having navigated a period of change, the business is now firmly focused on positive growth, and this is a genuine opportunity to join at exactly the right moment, where the foundations are in place, and the future is full of opportunity.
You will lead the HR function day-to-day on site, with an HR Assistant reporting to you, supporting managers across office, warehouse, production and transport operations. This is a genuinely varied generalist role for someone who enjoys rolling their sleeves up, building relationships at every level of a business and making a tangible difference to people management capability.
The role will include:
- Leading the day-to-day HR function for the UK business, with a strong focus on supporting the main operational site
- Managing and developing an HR Assistant (including oversight of payroll), providing support, guidance and development opportunities
- Providing clear, practical HR advice to senior leaders, line managers and employees across all areas of the business
- Managing employee relations cases independently, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability and performance matters
- Coaching and upskilling line managers to handle people matters fairly, consistently and confidently
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, probation reviews and workforce planning activity
- Maintaining and developing HR policies, procedures, contracts and employee documentation
- Ensuring full compliance with UK employment law and internal HR processes
- Supporting performance reviews, training needs analysis, succession planning and employee development
- Working closely with operational, transport and office-based managers to understand workforce challenges and provide practical solutions
- Maintaining accurate HR records and providing regular reporting on headcount, absence, turnover, recruitment and employee relations activity
- Supporting employee engagement, communication and a positive working culture across the site
About you:
- Comfortable and credible in an operational, hands-on environment, equally at ease on the shop floor as in the boardroom
- Strong communication, judgement and problem-solving skills
- Well organised, discreet and professional when handling sensitive and confidential matters
- Experience in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, steel or a similar operational environment would be a distinct advantage
- CIPD qualified or equivalent experience preferred
The package:
Alongside a salary of £50,000 – £55,000 dependent on experience, our client offers a company pension, life insurance and on-site parking. This is a fully site-based role requiring regular presence across the business.
HR Manager in Canterbury employer: Sirius-Search
Join a well-established business in East Kent as an HR Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's culture and people management practices during an exciting period of growth. With a strong focus on employee engagement and development, this hands-on position offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and benefits such as a company pension and life insurance, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Canterbury
✨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 Sirius-Search!
✨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 Sirius-Search.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Canterbury
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 Sirius-Search. 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 Sirius-Search 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 Sirius-Search. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sirius-Search'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 Sirius-Search
✨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 Sirius-Search.
✨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 Sirius-Search 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 Sirius-Search and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
