HR Manager (12-Month Maternity Cover)
Up to £60,000 + Excellent Benefits
Start: December/ January
Hours: Full-time, site-based
About the Company
Our client is a leading Bristol manufacturer, employing around 500 employees across three sites across Bristol. This role is based in their Head Office in South Bristol (BS3).
The Role
We are looking for an experienced HR Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. Reporting to the HR Director, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the HR function, manage a team of four, and partner closely with senior leaders to drive the people strategy, engagement, culture, and operational excellence.
This is a hands-on, varied HR leadership role within a friendly, values-driven environment where you will play a key role in organisational effectiveness and employee experience.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Advisory
* Act as the escalation point for daily HR queries, including ER, payroll admin, pensions, benefits, family leave and recruitment.
* Provide practical, solution-focused HR guidance to managers and employees.
Team Leadership
* Line manage and develop a team of four HR professionals.
* Run 1:1s, team meetings, cross-skilling and development planning.
* Maintain and update the HR skills matrix; drive continuous improvement.
Business Partnering & Strategy
* Partner with senior managers to support business objectives and workforce planning.
* Support leadership development and talent initiatives.
* Lead or support restructuring and consultation activities.
* Support salary benchmarking and annual pay review processes.
Learning & Development
* Oversee L&D activity including compliance and H&S training delivery.
* Support the apprenticeship levy programme and management training.
* Monitor L&D budget and activity.
Culture, Engagement & Internal Communications
* Champion company values and lead employee engagement activity.
* Chair the Employee Voice Group.
* Work with Internal Comms/Marketing to deliver communication strategies.
* Drive wellbeing initiatives.
Systems, Reporting & Compliance
* Ensure accuracy of HR data and produce KPIs, metrics and reports.
* Manage the HR annual calendar and support policy updates.
* Keep up to date with employment law and implement required changes.
* Support EDI initiatives.
Health & Safety
* Work with the H&S Manager on health surveillance, OH, and H&S-related projects.
Project Management
* Lead or support key HR projects such as ATS implementation and leadership development programmes.
The Person
* Proven HR leadership experience (ideally in manufacturing or industrial sectors).
* Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
* Experience managing and developing a team.
* Confident business partner with excellent communication and coaching skills.
* Strong ER, recruitment and L&D experience.
* High level of IT literacy; HRIS/ATS implementation experience beneficial.
* Experience with wellbeing, engagement or H&S initiatives advantageous.
* Understanding of EDI and apprenticeship levy management desirable.
Salary & Benefits
* Up to £60,000 salary
* 25 days holiday
* Matched pension up to 6% (after 3 months)
* Life assurance (4x salary)
* Cycle to work scheme
* Salary advance & travel schemes
* Health cashback plan
* Corporate gym memberships
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)