At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape a positive employee experience and support managers across the full employee lifecycle.
- Company: Join UK Sport, the UK's trusted high-performance sports experts.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £54,000 plus generous benefits and remote working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-performance sport while fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience in operational HR and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 54000 £ per year.
Organisation: UK Sport.
Salary: Grade: 5, £54,000 per annum plus generous benefits.
Location: Loughborough/London/Manchester based, with regular remote working.
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
Interview Dates: Stage 1: 3-4 September 2026 (virtual on Teams) Stage 2: 10 September 2026
Who are UK Sport? We are the UK’s trusted high-performance experts, powering our greatest athletes, teams, sports and events to achieve positive success. Investing a combination of National Lottery and Government funds, we support our Olympic and Paralympic sports to realise their world-leading potential and help bring major sporting events to the UK. Our purpose is to lead high-performance sport to enable extraordinary moments that enrich lives. We are on a mission to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments; reaching, inspiring and uniting the nation. That mission is underpinned by three ambitions for UK high-performance sport; to keep winning and win well, to grow a thriving sporting system and to harness those to inspire positive change.
About the role
As HR Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a positive, inclusive and high-performing employee experience across UK Sport. Acting as a trusted partner to staff and People Managers, you will provide expert advice, constructive challenge and practical support across the full employee lifecycle, empowering managers to discharge their people management responsibilities effectively. The HR Manager (People and Development) leads UK Sport's people-facing HR activity and has responsibility for employee relations, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, learning and development, employee engagement, internal communications, wellbeing and welfare initiatives, succession planning, talent development and EDI activity. Working closely with Recruitment Advisory Services and Learning and Development colleagues, the postholder ensures people initiatives are aligned with organisational priorities, workforce needs and UK Sport's commitment to inclusion. Through confident leadership, thoughtful coaching and strong operational oversight, the role helps strengthen management capability, support organisational effectiveness and enable people to do their best work. The HR Manager also leads and develops the HR and Employee Engagement Officer, providing direction, coaching and oversight to ensure high-quality HR and employee engagement services are delivered consistently across UK Sport.
Who will I be working with?
You’ll work closely with colleagues across UK Sport at all levels, as well as external partners and stakeholders, building trusted relationships that support effective decision making across the organisation. This role supports our hybrid working approach, with regular office attendance required in line with team and organisational expectations.
About you
You’re a confident and trusted HR professional who builds strong relationships and provides clear, practical advice to managers and colleagues. You’re comfortable supporting complex people matters, balancing empathy with sound judgement, discretion and a focus on organisational needs. You enjoy working across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to engagement, wellbeing, development and retention, helping to create a positive and inclusive employee experience. You’re proactive, collaborative and committed to continuous improvement, with the ability to lead others, influence stakeholders and help people do their best work.
What you’ll bring
- Experience delivering operational HR advice and support, including complex people matters
- Ability to support, advise and influence managers and stakeholders effectively
- Experience working with recruitment and learning and development specialists
- CIPD Level 5 qualification, or equivalent qualification or experience
- Strong judgement, discretion and confidence handling confidential matters
- Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Calm, proactive and effective in a fast-paced environment
- A positive, professional and proactive approach, with a strong sense of personal accountability and ownership.
- Forward-looking mindset with a focus on improvement and positive change
It’s a bonus if you also have
- Experience supporting employee wellbeing, welfare or organisational health initiatives
- Experience delivering or supporting employee engagement activity
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Interest in supporting team learning, improvement and growth
HR Manager (People & Development) in Loughborough employer: UK Sport
Trafford Leisure is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a flexible part-time role in a supportive work environment. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, staff have ample opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful initiatives within the community. Located in Altrincham, the company fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in payroll management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager (People & Development) in Loughborough
✨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 UK Sport!
✨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 UK Sport.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager (People & Development) in Loughborough
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 UK Sport. 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 UK Sport 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 UK Sport. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to UK Sport'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 UK Sport
✨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 UK Sport.
✨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 UK Sport 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 UK Sport and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
