If you are looking for a new challenge with a global market leader which designs and manufactures aerospace search and rescue equipment, HR Smith Group of Companies is the one for you. A family run business with over 6 decades of experience, dedicated to finding the perfect solutions for our customers. We’re seeking a highly organised, delivery-focused Deputy HR Manager to support the day‑to‑day HR operations across the Group. Reporting to the HR Manager, the role plays a key part in maintaining compliance, supporting managers and staff and ensuring the smooth running of core people processes. This is a hands‑on operational role ideal for someone who thrives in HR delivery and people support, but does not seek to lead on strategy or influence change at senior level. Supervising a small team of HR/payroll administrators and general duties staff, working closely with a part‑time HR Advisor, ensuring consistency in HR systems, records, absence management and recruitment delivery. While the Deputy HR Manager will be visible and trusted across the business, HR policy, strategy, and operational ownership remain with the HR Manager.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the delivery of day‑to‑day HR operations to ensure smooth and compliant HR services
* First point of contact, providing advice and escalating complex matters to the HR Manager as needed
* Maintain and regularly update HR policies, staff handbook and employment contracts, ensuring compliance with legislation
* Assist with delivering training to line managers, monitor mandatory training completion, following up on any gaps
* Own absence management – monitoring, manager support with return‑to‑work interviews, advising on short and long‑term absence cases
* Hands‑on support with employee relations casework, including investigations and documentation for absence, disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters
* Review and approve contracts of employment, offer letters, and letters of variation in the HR Manager’s absence
* Conduct appraisals and performance reviews as required
* Oversee recruitment, onboarding and offboarding processes, posting adverts, screening candidates, conducting interviews, managing candidate progression
* Coordinate leaver processes, conducting exit interviews, ensuring documentation and systems are updated
* Supervise administrative support teams, staff handling company fleet vehicles, reception and facilities
* Oversee sickness records, timesheet monitoring for relevant employees
* Support third‑line payroll checks, including validation of P32s, pay variances, absence‑related payments
* Assist with quality control of employee records, HR documentation, spreadsheets to ensure accuracy and compliance
* Support DBS checks, right to work verifications, visa sponsorship, compliance with UKVI requirements as a 2ndary Authorising Officer
* Ensure compliance with GDPR and employment law
* Minute‑take during formal HR meetings and manage case file documentation
* Liaise with Accounts on fleet insurance claims, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided
* Promote employee wellbeing, engagement and health initiatives in partnership with senior management and the HR Manager
* Assist with ad hoc HR projects and administrative duties as requested
Job Requirements
* Proven experience managing absence‑related casework
* Sound understanding of UK employment law and best practice relating to attendance, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters
* 3–5 years of HR experience, with at least 1–2 years in a senior HR officer or supervisory role
* Confidence in giving first‑line advice to managers, with the judgement to elevate appropriately
* Excellent attention to detail and the ability to interpret absence trends and prepare clear, useful reports
* Experience supervising administrative or HR support staff
* Able to prioritise a high‑volume, task‑focused workload while maintaining accuracy
* Strong interpersonal skills with a patient, pragmatic, professional approach to working with employees, managers and stakeholders
* Comfortable working in a traditional structure, supporting (not challenging) the organisation’s values and operational processes
* Discreet and respectful in handling confidential matters
Qualifications (one or more of the following)
* CIPD Level 5 or above (or working towards)
* ILM/CMI Level 5+ Management qualification
* Degree in HR or relevant discipline
Benefits
* Free onsite parking
* Casual dress
* Company social events
* Opportunity for company bonuses
* Cost of living reviews carried out annually by the Directors
* 20 days holiday plus bank holidays & your birthday off
* Long service holiday accrual – 1 extra holiday day per year from 5‑10 years’ service up to max 26 days
* Life Insurance Scheme – 3x annual salary
* Health and wellbeing programme
* Employee Assistance Programme
Full‑time role. Hours are based on a 40‑hour week, Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm with half an hour each day for lunch.
Salary commensurate with experience. Free internal training provided as required. Due to the nature of the business being a manufacturing environment, working from home arrangements are not available.
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