At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations during a period of change, focusing on absence management and employee relations.
- Company: Established logistics business with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on HR role while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR casework, particularly in absence management, and knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established logistics business who are looking for an experienced HR Manager to join them on a 3-month fixed-term contract, supporting absence management, policy review and day-to-day employee relations during a period of operational change.
The Role
Based near Maidstone, Kent, and reporting into the COO, you'll work closely with site managers and the senior leadership team to deliver consistent, compliant and pragmatic HR support. This is a hands-on role for someone who's comfortable working autonomously and confident influencing operational colleagues to get things done.
Your key responsibilities will cover:
- Absence management: managing short and long-term absence cases, return-to-work meetings, occupational health referrals and accurate absence reporting
- Casework and investigations: leading informal and formal capability, conduct and grievance cases, preparing documentation and supporting managers through hearings and appeals
- Policy review: reviewing and updating HR policies (absence, flexible working, sick pay) to reflect current legislation and business needs
- Employee relations: advising managers on day-to-day ER issues and promoting consistent policy application across sites
- Compliance: maintaining employee records in line with GDPR and producing absence and casework reports for senior stakeholders
- Manager coaching: building capability across the business through guidance on absence, performance and policy
- Project support: contributing to broader HR process improvements as required
About You
You'll be a pragmatic HR generalist with solid casework experience, particularly around absence management. You'll have:
- Proven ER, absence and disciplinary/grievance casework experience, ideally in logistics, manufacturing or a fast-paced operations environment
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law
- The confidence to advise operational managers and deliver difficult messages where needed
- Strong record-keeping and HRIS experience
- A CIPD qualification (desirable) or equivalent hands-on casework experience
- The right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract
Package
3-month FTC, full-time (extension possible depending on business need)
£60,000 pro rata
Based near Maidstone, Kent, Hybrid working (3 days on site)
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we aren't always able to respond to every candidate individually. If you haven't heard from us within two weeks of applying, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We may retain your details for relevant future opportunities. Our client is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All applicants will be considered on merit.
HR Manager - 3 month FTC in Tonbridge employer: The Growth Foundation
Join a well-established logistics business in Maidstone, Kent, as an HR Manager on a 3-month fixed-term contract, where you will play a crucial role in supporting employee relations and operational change. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring compliance and consistency across HR practices. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, this employer values every team member's contribution, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager - 3 month FTC in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those in logistics or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common HR scenarios. Think about how you'd handle absence management or employee relations issues. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that HR Manager role. We’re all about making the process smooth and straightforward, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to join a fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager - 3 month FTC in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager role. Highlight your experience in absence management and employee relations, as these are key for this position. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description and show us your passion for HR.
Showcase Your Casework Experience:Since casework is a big part of this role, make sure to detail your relevant experiences. Whether it's handling grievances or managing absence cases, we want to know how you've tackled these challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Growth Foundation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and the specifics of absence management. Familiarise yourself with the company's policies and be ready to discuss how you would handle various HR scenarios, especially in a logistics environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your casework experience, particularly around absence management and employee relations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Be Ready for Tough Questions
Expect questions about how you would manage difficult conversations or resolve conflicts. Think about your approach to advising operational managers and be prepared to demonstrate your confidence in delivering tough messages.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current HR challenges or how they envision the HR function evolving during the contract period. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested.
