We’re looking for a people-first and process-savvy HR Manager (12-month Maternity Cover) to take ownership of HR operations across recruitment, checking timesheets for payroll, employee relations and compliance. This is a brilliant opportunity for a confident HR professional with a CIPD qualification (or working towards it), a sharp eye for detail and a passion for creating smooth, people-focused processes that support a thriving workplace. £38,220 - £41,771 FTE Working hours Monday to Friday, 37 or 30 hours per week 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays Free parking 6.5% pension contribution Employee assistance programme On-site based in Corby Duties and responsibilities: Lead all HR operations in a standalone role, ensuring policies and procedures are up-to-date and followed Provide expert HR advice to the Leadership Team on employee relations, absence, disciplinary, and capability matters Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure compliance with statutory and audit requirements Oversee the Single Central Record for recruitment and vetting checks Track and report staff absence, liaising with payroll and internal teams Act as the main contact with the external HR provider Offer guidance on personnel issues for all employees Plan and deliver end-to-end recruitment campaigns, including job descriptions, advertising, shortlisting, interviews, and safer recruitment checks Administer monthly payroll changes using the EPM system and work closely with Finance to ensure accuracy Submit monthly absence returns and monitor payroll data Skills and experience required: CIPD qualified (or working towards) Proven experience in HR management ideally within the public sector (school, NHS, local government) Strong track record in handling disciplinary, capability, and absence management cases End-to-end recruitment experience, including safer recruitment practices Payroll administration experience (preferably using EPM or similar systems) Experience working with unions would be ideal Strong interpersonal and coaching abilities to support managers High-level administrative and IT skills (Microsoft Office) Ability to manage confidential information with discretion Confident working independently and collaboratively with senior leadership Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines