HR Manager: Build Our New People Function in Manchester

Tameside Link is a registered charity with a straightforward purpose: to enable adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs to live meaningful, fulfilling lives in their own homes, with the right support around them. Rooted in Tameside and Oldham since 1995, we were founded by families who knew that personalised, values‑driven support could change lives. That belief still drives everything we do. We are person‑centred, strengths‑based, and proudly family‑led. Our 80‑strong team works every day to champion inclusion, independence, and dignity for the people we support. This is an exciting moment for us. We are growing, investing in our infrastructure, and working towards doubling in size. The HR Manager role sits right at the heart of that next chapter.

The Opportunity

This is a chance to build something from the ground up. As our first dedicated HR Manager, you will establish and shape our HR function, creating the processes, systems, and culture that will support our growth. You will be the go‑to person for everything people‑related: day‑to‑day ER casework, leading our digital HR transformation, onboarding new colleagues, and supporting the leadership team through change. It is a hands‑on, varied role. You will need to be comfortable rolling up your sleeves one moment and advising senior leaders the next. You will be given the space, trust, and support to make this role your own.

What You Will Do

• Build and lead our HR function
• Establish and maintain HR policies, procedures, and processes that reflect our values and meet our legal obligations
• Be the first point of contact for all people matters across the organisation
• Work closely with the Head of Service Operations and leadership team to align our people approach with our growth plans
• Own the employee lifecycle
• Manage end‑to‑end HR processes: attraction, recruitment, onboarding, development, and offboarding
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date employee records and ensure we are compliant at every stage
• Lead on DBS checks, right‑to‑work verification, and pre‑employment processes in line with CQC and safeguarding requirements
• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of our new HRIS platform
• Help managers and staff get the most from new systems
• Use HR data and reporting to give the leadership team useful, timely insight
• Support managers on performance and employee relations
• Be the expert advisor for managers navigating performance, conduct, absence, and well‑being
• Ensure all disciplinary and grievance processes follow ACAS codes of practice, keeping things fair and reducing legal risk
• Coach and upskill managers so they can handle people matters with more confidence
• Lead on organisational change
• Support or lead TUPE transfers and future organisational change programmes
• Help manage change in a way that is transparent, fair, and true to our values
• Champion our culture and workforce development
• Support recruitment that prioritises values alongside skills and experience
• Work with managers to embed solid induction, supervision, and development practices
• Contribute to staff engagement and wellbeing work that reflects who we are

What We Are Looking For

• CIPD Level 5, qualified or actively working towards it
• Proven experience as an HR generalist covering the full employee lifecycle
• Sound working knowledge of employment law, including ACAS codes of practice
• Experience managing ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, and absence, independently and confidently
• Experience supporting or leading TUPE transfers and organisational change
• Experience implementing or managing an HRIS or HR software platform
• Able to work on your own initiative and manage competing priorities in a standalone role
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to build trust with people at all levels
• Organised, detail‑oriented, and comfortable handling sensitive information with discretion
• Experience in adult social care, supported living, or a regulated care environment
• Knowledge of CQC workforce requirements
• Experience in a charity or not‑for‑profit organisation

What We Offer

• Salary of £35,000 – £42,000 per annum (pro rata if part‑time)
• A genuine opportunity to shape and build an HR function from scratch
• A warm, values‑led team where people really do matter
• Flexible hours, full‑time or part‑time considered
• Workplace pension scheme (AVIVA) with employer contributions
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro‑rata)
• The chance to make a real difference in an organisation that changes lives

Our Culture & Values

Tameside Link is a close‑knit organisation where senior staff are accessible, and decisions are made quickly. The trustee board is active and engaged, meeting quarterly to provide governance oversight and strategic direction. A commitment to person‑centred support, respect, empowerment, inclusion, and advocacy guides everything we do. We are looking for someone who not only understands these values but also lives them. Someone who treats every colleague with the same care and dignity we ask our teams to bring to the people we support.

How to Apply

Applications are made by CV and a covering letter, briefly answering the three questions below;

• Please describe a time when you helped create a fair, inclusive, or supportive workplace. What did you do, and what was the result?
• Please tell us about your experience using HR systems or HRIS platforms. What systems have you used, what did you do with them, and how did you help people use them effectively?
• Please describe what interests you about this role at this stage in your career.

Each answer should be no more than 200 words. You can answer in bullet points if you prefer. We welcome clear, direct answers and do not expect polished or formal writing.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: 31st May
• First Interviews will be on W/c 15th June
• A date for the 2nd and final interview (including a small presentation element) will be confirmed with successful applicants

Tameside Link does not maintain a public‑facing website, corporate social media presence, or any other active public digital profile. This is a deliberate, reasoned governance decision endorsed by the Board of Trustees. To find out more about Tameside Link, an organisation information pack can be requested by contacting the hiring team. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safer recruitment and equal opportunities. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and a Basic DBS check. Please note: To be considered for this role, you must have the legal right to work in the UK. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.