Location: Saffron Walden Type: Permanent Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm Salary: Competitive Job Reference: 35904 Polytec are seeking an experienced HR Manager to join our Saffron Walden based client. This is a hands-on and varied generalist role, ideal for someone who enjoys building processes, supporting people, and shaping culture within a scaling business. You will take ownership of the full employee lifecycle and play a key role in developing a supportive, high-performing working environment. Responsibilities * Manage the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, probation, performance reviews and offboarding * Act as the primary HR contact for managers and employees, providing guidance and support * Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook in line with UK employment law * Advise on employee relations matters and coach managers on best practice * Oversee payroll input and employee benefits, working with finance and external providers * Maintain accurate HR data, systems and documentation * Coordinate learning and development initiatives to support employee growth * Lead employee engagement activities and contribute to a positive and inclusive culture * Support leadership with workforce planning and organisational development * Ensure compliance with health and safety and other statutory requirements * Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation Requirements * Broad HR generalist experience, ideally gained in a start-up, scale-up, or dynamic SME * Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice * Comfortable operating as a standalone HR function with both strategic and hands-on responsibilities * Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trust at all levels * Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently * CIPD Level 5 or above desirable Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below