Our client is a dynamic, fast-growing e-commerce business in Norfolk on an exciting growth trajectory, and they're looking for an experienced People & Performance Manager to help them scale professionally and build a high-performing culture.
This is your chance to make a real impact in a business where you'll work directly with the owner and leadership team, shaping how they grow. You'll build structure, embed accountability, and develop their people—creating the professional foundations that support strong commercial results.
Reporting directly to the MD, you'll be a trusted partner to leadership and the link between their management team and staff, ensuring consistency, fairness, and performance across the business.
THE FOUR NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS
To be successful in this role, you must meet all four of the following:
Stability & Longevity: A track record of sustained service in your roles (minimum 3+ years in previous positions). They're looking for someone committed to building long-term impact, not job-hopping. They want you to grow with them.
Owner-Operated SME Experience: Direct experience working in small-to-medium owner-operated businesses where you've worked closely with the business owner. You understand the dynamics, the pace, and what it takes to support owner-led growth.
On-Site Presence (Mon-Fri): Full-time on-site presence at their Norfolk headquarters, every day Monday to Friday. This is a hands-on role requiring daily interaction with teams, managers, and leadership. (Part-time candidates working 4 days per week can be considered, provided all 4 days are on-site.)
HR Qualification: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR qualification. They need formal HR expertise underpinning your practical experience.
If you don't meet all four of these requirements, this role is not the right fit—and we'd encourage you to consider other opportunities.
WHAT YOU'LL DO (further info found on JD)
Recruitment & Onboarding
Performance, Conduct & Development
Policies, Records & Compliance
Organisation & Process
Culture, Communication & Accountability
WHO YOU ARE
Essential Experience
3+ years sustained service in your most recent HR & people management
Direct experience in owner-operated or founder-led SMEs
Proven experience in recruitment, performance management, and staff conduct
CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) HR qualification
Confidence managing sensitive staff issues and performance improvement
Strong commercial awareness—balancing fairness with business needs
Personal Attributes
Professional, pragmatic, and balanced
Calm and confident handling challenging situations
Discreet with confidential information
Structured and process-driven
Commercially aware with sound judgement
Comfortable setting clear expectations and reinforcing standards
Location & Availability
Based in or able to commute reliably to Norfolk (Mon-Fri, on-site)
Right to work in the UK
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
This is a business on the cusp of exciting growth, led by an owner who's genuinely invested in building a professional, scaled operation. You'll work directly with leadership, shape culture and systems, and see the tangible impact of your work as they grow. It's hands-on, it's real, and it matters.
If you've thrived in owner-operated businesses and want to build something meaningful, this is the role for you.
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter (highlighting your experience in owner-operated SMEs and explaining why you're interested in this specific opportunity).
Please note: Previous applicants to this role will not be considered. This is a new search with revised requirements