HR Manager Salary: up to £43,000 per year Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (Flexible and part-time working considered) Location: Ipswich IP2, with travel to sites in Lowestoft, Haverhill, and Great Barton Benefits: * 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays * Private Medical Healthcare Scheme * Hybrid working * Company pension * Free parking / On-site parking * Health & wellbeing programme * Sick pay * Bereavement leave * Flexible Term Time working considered Job Overview: We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Manager to join our organisation in a full-time capacity. This is a stand-alone role reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Board, supported by an external HR partner. The successful candidate will combine strong operational HR skills with the ability to drive forward strategic objectives and long-term HR initiatives for the business. This position is ideally suited to someone confident working independently, with the capability to contribute at both a strategic and hands-on level. The role covers the full employee lifecycle, providing HR support across multiple sites, ensuring compliance, advising on HR matters, and contributing to workforce planning, employee engagement, and organisational development. Key Responsibilities: * Support and influence strategic HR objectives, working closely with the SLT and Board * Lead on long-term HR initiatives, workforce planning, and organisational development * Provide advice and guidance on employee relations matters * Manage recruitment, onboarding, and retention processes * Ensure compliance with employment law, policies, and best practice * Administer compensation, benefits, and payroll support where required * Support performance management and staff development processes * Oversee absence management, including complex cases and data analysis * Produce HR data and reports, identifying trends and insights for decision-making * Promote health, well-being, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation * Deliver general HR administrative and operational support Qualifications and Experience: * Minimum of 3 years in a HR Manager role * CIPD Level 5 qualification (desirable, not essential) * Experience within the public sector or education/training sector (preferred but not essential) Other Requirements: * Valid UK driving licence and good driving record (essential) * Enhanced DBS check will be undertaken Additional Information: * Candidates selected for interview will be contacted by email * The selection process includes a second-stage interview for shortlisted candidates * If no response is received within a reasonable time, the application has not been successful on this occasion * This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and all staff are expected to share this commitment * Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check