HR Manager in Edinburgh

Utopian Professional Recruitment are delighted to be working with a centrally based Edinburgh client seeking to recruit a new HR Manager. You will be responsible for delivering a commercially aligned, proactive, and practical HR function for the business. Working closely with the Operations Director and supported by the HR Assistant, you will be the primary HR contact for all staff, Directors and Managers, covering the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to exit.

A core focus of the role is to ensure all HR activity directly supports the needs of the business by balancing SME practicality and people support and development with business goals. This includes being a proactive HRBP, providing a range of practical, solution-based options and ensuring HR policies, processes and systems are fit for purpose, culturally aligned and supportive of operational effectiveness for an SME. You will take a key role in supporting and shaping culture, strengthening communication, improving consistency across offices, and ensuring the employee experience reflects our clients' values and ambitions. You will also have overall responsibility for payroll, benefits, and the HRIS and ATS systems ensuring accuracy and continuous improvement.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and delivering HR across the company in direct alignment with business priorities
• Providing practical, proactive and risk-aware solution based HR advice
• Supporting strategic resourcing and workforce planning for current business focus
• Managing and developing the HR Assistant
• Overseeing payroll, ATS, recruitment, HRIS, and employee benefits administration
• Ensuring full and effective use of HR systems and processes supporting adoption across the business
• Supporting company culture, values, and communication across all offices
• Managing HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance and alignment with business objectives
• Driving continuous improvement in processes, systems and employee experience
• Developing and delivering the annual HR strategy with the Operations Director
• Act as HRBP to all departments, meeting regularly with Directors and leaders to identify needs and challenges early
• Addressing day-to-day HR queries from staff and managers
• Leading employee relations matters and supporting managers and staff as required
• Managing recruitment processes across the business
• Leading and managing all HR processes, policies, systems and compliance
• Managing and developing the HR Assistant in their role
• Processing/overseeing monthly payroll and employee benefits administration
• Collaborating with the Operations Director on cross-departmental projects, HR initiatives and department strategy
• Support leadership in strengthening culture, communication and consistency across offices
• Promote wellbeing and a positive working environment suitable for an SME

To be considered for this opportunity, our client requires the following background/experience:

• Strong HR generalist experience within an SME or growth environment
• Experience advising and influencing senior leaders and confidence to present balanced risks and recommendations
• Experience of review, improvement and optimisation of HR systems, policy and process
• Experience managing or mentoring team members
• Strong communication skills – listening, note/minute taking and emails
• Strong relationship-building skills at all levels
• High attention to confidentiality, accuracy and professionalism
• Collaborative and able to work independently when required
• CIPD membership/HR Qualification preferred

Next Steps: For further information or to apply, please email your CV to Utopian Professional Recruitment as soon as possible. Our client is looking to interview and recruit promptly.

Equal Opportunities: Utopian Professional Recruitment is committed to equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age.