At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and manage payroll in a dynamic fashion business.
- Company: Whispering Smith, a long-established fashion and apparel company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible part-time hours, and the chance to shape HR processes.
- Other info: 100% onsite role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the go-to HR expert and make a real impact in a vibrant SME environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with experience in HR generalist roles and payroll management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Part-time | Standalone HR role | Full HR ownership and monthly payroll processing
Location: Deansgate, Manchester
100% onsite role – Flexible Start / Finish times
Permanent - Part time, 2-3 days per week
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About Whispering Smith
Whispering Smith is a long-established fashion and apparel business supplying a wide range of customers across wholesale, retail and online channels. As the business continues to evolve, we are looking to appoint an experienced HR Business Partner / HR Manager to provide practical, hands-on HR support across the company. This is a standalone HR role and will be the only dedicated HR position within the business. The successful candidate will therefore need to be confident operating independently, providing both strategic and day-to-day HR support, while also taking ownership of monthly payroll processing.
The Role
We are looking for a commercially minded and hands-on HR Business Partner / HR Manager to support managers and employees across all areas of the business. This is a broad generalist role covering the full employee lifecycle, employee relations, policies and procedures, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, payroll, absence management and HR administration. This is a fully onsite role based at 274 Deansgate, Manchester, with no working from home. The role would suit an experienced HR professional who enjoys working in an SME environment, is comfortable being visible and accessible within the business, and can balance operational detail with practical business advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the main point of contact for all HR matters across the business
- Provide practical HR advice and guidance to managers and employees
- Manage employee relations matters, including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes
- Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, contracts and employee handbook documentation
- Support managers with recruitment, selection and onboarding
- Manage the leaver process, including exit interviews and final payroll information
- Process monthly payroll accurately and on time
- Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems
- Monitor holidays, sickness absence and timekeeping
- Support performance reviews, development discussions and succession planning
- Ensure compliance with employment law and internal policies
- Provide HR reporting and people-related management information as required
- Support organisational change, restructuring or consultation processes where needed
- Help develop a positive, professional and accountable working culture
About You
The successful candidate will be an experienced HR generalist who is confident working independently in a standalone role. You will be pragmatic, organised and commercially aware, with the ability to build credibility with managers and employees. You should be comfortable dealing with both hands-on HR administration and more complex people matters. Experience processing payroll, or taking full ownership of payroll inputs and liaison with payroll providers, is essential.
Essential Experience and Skills
- CIPD qualified
- Previous experience in a broad HR generalist, HR Manager or HR Business Partner role
- Experience working in an SME or standalone HR environment
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience managing employee relations matters
- Experience with recruitment, onboarding, absence management and performance processes
- Experience processing monthly payroll or managing payroll inputs
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information appropriately
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Confident advising managers and challenging where appropriate
What We Offer
- A broad and influential standalone HR role
- Flexible part-time working, 2-3 days per week
- Fully onsite role based at 274 Deansgate, Manchester
- Opportunity to shape and improve HR processes across the business
- A varied role within a long-established company
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
How to Apply
By clicking 'apply' you will be taken to our ATS. Please submit your CV and a short covering note outlining your relevant HR, payroll and CIPD experience.
HR Business Partner / HR Manager in Manchester employer: Whispering Smith
Whispering Smith is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for an experienced HR Business Partner / HR Manager to take full ownership of HR processes in a supportive and flexible environment. Located in the vibrant Deansgate area of Manchester, the company fosters a positive work culture that values independence and encourages professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner / HR Manager in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local HR Events
Check out local HR networking events or workshops in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in human resources, and potentially get leads on part-time roles like the one at Whispering Smith.
✨Join HR Communities Online
Platforms like SHRM Connect or HR-specific LinkedIn groups are gold mines for job leads and industry discussions. Engaging in conversations can put your name out there and might just catch the eye of someone from Whispering Smith looking for a part-time star!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're studying or have recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have contacts in the HR world that can help you score a part-time gig, plus you can access exclusive job boards!
✨Direct Applications Through Our Website
When you find the part-time role you're excited about, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps us streamline the hiring process. Make your application stand out with a tailored approach!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner / HR Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your People Skills:In human resources, it’s all about connecting with people. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in recruitment, employee relations, or conflict resolution. If you’ve got any certifications in HR or related fields, don’t forget to flaunt them!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine Bright:When applying for a part-time HR role at Whispering Smith, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Discuss your passion for people management and how you can contribute to their team, even on a part-time basis.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Availability:Since it's a part-time role, be clear in your application about your availability. HR often requires a balance of flexibility and commitment, so outline any existing commitments and how you plan to manage your time effectively.
Include Real-Life Examples:When describing your experience, use specific examples that illustrate your competency in HR tasks. Whether it’s handling employee onboarding or managing records, these anecdotes can make your application stand out to Whispering Smith.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whispering Smith
✨Know Your HR Basics Inside Out
As we're diving into a part-time HR role, let’s brush up on key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employment law, and employee engagement strategies. Prepare to explain how you've handled various HR scenarios in the past or how you'd approach them in the future – this shows you can hit the ground running!
✨Get Creative with Your HR Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio showcasing your HR projects, like recruitment plans or engagement activities you've designed. This isn't just for show; it helps us illustrate our hands-on experience and creativity, making us stand out to Whispering Smith. Plus, it’s a tangible way to discuss our achievements!
✨Brush Up on Behavioural Interview Techniques
Expect a mix of traditional and behavioural interview questions. Prepare STAR answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) on how you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics. Since HR is all about people, our ability to communicate effectively will be under the spotlight.
✨Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm
In a part-time HR role, demonstrating a flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities can make us more appealing to Whispering Smith. Expressing our eagerness to learn and contribute to the team will demonstrate that we're not just filling a position, but genuinely excited to be part of their journey!
