At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure compliance with employment legislation and support HR teams across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated employer known for its inclusive culture and commitment to people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth and a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping employment practices and enhancing employee experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR compliance and strong knowledge of UK and Ireland employment laws required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior HR Employment & Compliance Specialist to join our HR Talent Services team. Reporting to the Global HR Projects & Compliance Director and working closely with the UK & Ireland HR leadership team, you will play a vital role in ensuring our employment practices, policies, and processes remain compliant, effective, and aligned with business objectives.
About the role
As a Senior HR Employment & Compliance Specialist, you will act as a subject‑matter expert on employment legislation and HR compliance, providing guidance and support to HR colleagues and business leaders across the UK and Ireland. You will be responsible for monitoring legislative developments and translating regulatory requirements into practical policies, processes, and resources that support the business. Your work will include developing and maintaining compliance frameworks, process documentation, templates, and guidance materials to ensure consistency and alignment across HR operations. You will lead employment compliance initiatives, oversee internal HR audit controls, identify opportunities to strengthen employment practices, design and deliver compliance training, and contribute to strategic HR projects and programmes that support organisational objectives and enhance the employee experience.
Your impact
In this role, you will protect and strengthen Stantec’s employment practices across the UK and Ireland. Your work will minimise risk while supporting a positive and consistent employee experience. You will enable HR teams and business leaders to make informed decisions by ensuring policies and practices remain fit for purpose, aligned with current legal requirements, and backed by effective governance frameworks.
About you
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, Human Resources, or a related field
- Significant experience in HR advisory, employee relations, and employment compliance roles
- In‑depth knowledge of UK and Ireland employment legislation
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to review complex information and provide clear recommendations
- Experience developing policies, processes, compliance frameworks, and supporting documentation
- The ability to design and deliver training and guidance to HR teams and stakeholders
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with confidence to influence and challenge where appropriate
- A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and driving positive change
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Desirable
- CIPD membership
- Experience supporting HR transformation, compliance, or strategic change programmes
Why join us?
- People first – a friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment that values every team member
- Recognised leaders – top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025, Corporate Knights sustainability award 2025, Best Place to Work and International Consulting Firm of the Year 2024
- What we do matters – industry‑leading training and development, paid professional subscriptions, and a professional progression plan to become chartered
- Better together – supportive team culture and a broad network of Employee Resource Groups
- Growth – a dynamic journey across the UK and the chance to shape the future
- Great benefits – competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with an option to buy/sell extra days, private medical insurance, group income protection and life assurance, discounted gym membership, and more
- Hybrid / flexible working – a balanced approach that supports a healthy work‑life balance
About Stantec
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you’re excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Senior HR Employment & Compliance Specialist - UK&I Region in Manchester employer: Stantec
Stantec is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to make a significant impact in the energy sector through innovative projects like hydropower and energy building design. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative work culture, Stantec fosters an environment where engineers can thrive and grow their careers while contributing to meaningful change in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Employment & Compliance Specialist - UK&I Region in Manchester
✨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 Stantec!
✨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 Stantec.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Employment & Compliance Specialist - UK&I Region in Manchester
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 Stantec. 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 Stantec 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 Stantec. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Stantec'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 Stantec
✨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 Stantec.
✨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 Stantec 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 Stantec and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
