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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, support employee lifecycle, and enhance workplace culture.
- Company: Join a respected engineering firm with over 90 years of industry experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Shape HR practices and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR management, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term stability and career growth in a dynamic setting.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
South West Metal Finishing is appointing a new HR Manager to strengthen its people strategy during a period of growth, change and investment. This is a hands‑on, influential role offering autonomy, leadership exposure and the opportunity to shape HR in a highly accredited engineering environment. You’ll benefit from working closely with senior leaders, a stable workforce and a business that values quality, people and long‑term success.
About South West Metal Finishing
South West Metal Finishing is a long‑established surface engineering specialist with over 90 years of industry experience. Operating multiple sites across the South West, SWMF supports customers in aerospace, defence, automotive, nuclear and advanced manufacturing, holding industry‑leading accreditations including AS9100, ISO 9001 and NADCAP. The business is known for its commitment to quality, compliance and continuous improvement, alongside a practical, people‑focused culture. This HR Manager role is central to supporting that culture as the organisation continues to evolve.
The Role
As HR Manager, you will be the trusted HR lead for the business, providing pragmatic, commercially aware people support to leaders and teams across the organisation. This is a true generalist role with the scope to influence, improve and embed HR practices, while remaining hands‑on and visible within the business. You will work closely with senior leadership, finance and payroll to ensure HR processes support operational needs, compliance requirements and employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management and employee relations.
- Act as a trusted advisor to managers, providing clear, practical guidance on HR matters in line with employment law and best practice.
- Manage and improve HR policies, procedures and systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and consistently applied.
- Work collaboratively with payroll and finance to ensure accurate people data, absence management and contractual compliance.
- Support organisational change, including structure changes, role development and workforce planning.
- Champion a positive, inclusive and professional working environment across all sites.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and support the business in meeting regulatory and audit requirements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support a culture of accountability, fairness and development.
This role offers the opportunity to shape how HR operates, rather than simply maintain it.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced HR professional who enjoys working close to the business and building credibility through sound judgement and practical delivery. You’ll be well‑suited to this role if you have:
- Proven experience in an HR Manager or Senior HR Generalist role, ideally within manufacturing, engineering or a regulated environment.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and confidence handling employee relations matters end‑to‑end.
- Experience working closely with senior leaders and operational managers.
- A pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively when needed.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust at all levels of the organisation.
- Experience supporting multi‑site operations.
- CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or part‑qualified desirable.
What You’ll Receive
- Competitive salary ranging from ÂŁ35,000 - ÂŁ45,000 dependant on experience.
- A key leadership role with genuine influence and visibility.
- Long‑term stability within a well‑established, growing business.
- The opportunity to shape HR practices rather than inherit rigid frameworks.
- A collaborative, down‑to‑earth working culture focused on quality and continuous improvement.
Working Arrangement: Predominantly office‑based to support operational teams, with flexibility where appropriate.
If you’re an experienced HR Manager looking for a role where you can make a tangible impact, Click to Apply today.
Human Resources Manager in Exeter employer: South West Metal Finishing
Contact Detail:
South West Metal Finishing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in manufacturing or engineering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching South West Metal Finishing and its culture. Understand their values around quality and continuous improvement, and think of examples from your past that align with these principles. This will show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience as an HR Manager can directly benefit their people strategy. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve successfully influenced HR practices in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining their team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the HR Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing or regulated environments, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of UK employment law!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for South West Metal Finishing. Share examples of how you've influenced HR practices in previous roles and how you can bring that expertise to us.
Showcase Your People Skills: As an HR Manager, communication is key. In your application, emphasise your ability to build trust and work collaboratively with senior leaders and teams. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated employee relations matters in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at South West Metal Finishing!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Metal Finishing
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've handled employee relations matters in the past, as this role requires a solid understanding of the legal landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've influenced change or improved HR practices, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Be Pragmatic and Solutions-Focused
The company values a practical approach, so come prepared with examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Show them that you can think on your feet and provide clear, actionable solutions to HR issues.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position requires working with various teams, including finance and payroll. Highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration and how you've successfully partnered with other departments to achieve common goals.