HR Manager (Standalone) - ChesterSalary: £40,000-£45,000, depending on experienceHours: 37.5 hours per weekWorking pattern: Hybrid - three days per week in the Chester office
An established and growing organisation in Chester is seeking an experienced HR Manager to take sole responsibility for its people function.
This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished HR generalist with strong employee relations experience to combine strategic HR planning with hands-on operational delivery.
As the principal HR contact for approximately 80 employees, you will provide commercially focused advice to managers while managing HR operations, payroll administration, recruitment, compliance and employee engagement.
The organisation is entering an important stage of its development, giving you the opportunity to improve processes, strengthen management capability and shape a practical people plan.
Key ResponsibilitiesManage employee relations matters, including absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance, consultation and dismissal cases
Advise and coach managers on HR policies, procedures and UK employment law
Prepare clear and accurate employee relations documentation
Develop and deliver a practical people plan aligned with organisational priorities
Maintain HR policies, templates and the Employee Handbook
Coordinate recruitment, contracts, onboarding and induction
Manage pre-employment and right-to-work checks
Monitor probation reviews, performance appraisals and mandatory training
Maintain accurate employee records, HR data and compliance information
Prepare monthly information for the outsourced payroll provider
Support pension, benefits and payroll queries
Lead employee engagement, recognition and internal communication activities
Produce management information covering headcount, absence, turnover, recruitment and training
Support consultations, restructures and wider organisational change
Improve employee retention, attendance, workplace behaviours and management capability
Skills and ExperiencePrevious experience as an HR Manager or in a comparable senior generalist HR role
Experience managing a standalone HR function or the ability to work independently
Strong practical employee relations and case-management experience
Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
Confidence managing disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, consultation and dismissal processes
Ability to balance strategic HR projects with operational duties
Experience creating HR processes and practical people plans
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisation, accuracy and attention to detail
Confidence using HR systems, employee data and spreadsheets
Experience preparing payroll information
A CIPD qualification or equivalent professional experience, ideally
BenefitsSalary of £40,000-£45,000, depending on experience
Five weeks' annual leave plus eight bank holidays
Hybrid working, with three days per week in the Chester office
Company pension scheme
Health and employee discount benefits
Relevant professional training
Access to specialist employment law support
The opportunity to shape and develop the people function
If you are a confident HR Manager who enjoys autonomy, problem-solving and making a measurable difference, apply today with your CV and a short covering statement.
