Job description
Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agency, with over 4,000 colleagues, over 470 retail branches and a busy Head Office supporting our nationwide operations. We are proud of our strong values, our commitment to colleague development, and our warm, people‑first culture. As we continue to grow, we are now seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Senior HR Manager to join our People Team based in Sunderland.
About the Role
Reporting to the People Director, this is an important leadership role within the People team. You’ll lead the team of People Partners and Advisors, providing clear direction, coaching and support to ensure consistent, practical HR guidance across the organisation as well as a strong focus on supporting our managers and colleagues in their day-to-day work.
Working closely with leaders, you’ll offer hands-on advice to help them lead their teams confidently and effectively, supporting everything from employee relations and performance conversations to wellbeing and development. You’ll also collaborate with colleagues across the wider People team including areas such as recruitment, learning and development, apprenticeships, people shared services and health and safety, to ensure a joined-up, seamless approach that puts people at the heart of everything we do.
Alongside supporting everyday people matters, you’ll contribute to ongoing improvements in how we work. We've an exciting people plan to shape the work we do so whether it's helping to strengthen culture, build leadership capability or keep our HR processes clear, fair and easy to navigate - this is an important and varied role. We're looking for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, leading and developing others, solving problems calmly and making a meaningful difference to colleagues’ experience at work.
Leadership
1. Line‑manage the HR team, providing coaching, performance oversight and professional support.
2. Lead or contribute to cross‑functional HR projects that support business priorities.
HR Strategy & Business Partnering
3. Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business goals and the broader People Plan.
4. When required work closely with senior leaders to deliver organisational development and change initiatives.
5. Provide insight and data to support effective decision‑making across the organisation.
Employee Relations & Culture
6. Support on complex or sensitive employee relations matters.
7. Promote a positive, inclusive culture across the business.
8. Coach, guide and develop line managers to strengthen their people‑management capability.
9. Be an ambassador of the company SMILE values.
HR Operations & Compliance
10. Oversee the maintenance and development of HR policies and procedures.
11. Ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal standards.
12. Maintain high standards of accuracy and integrity in HR systems and colleague data.
13. Analyse workforce trends and provide recommendations on future staffing needs.
14. Support with the design and implementation of people‑related projects and improvements.
Talent, Recruitment & Development
15. Support key recruitment activities across senior and specialist roles.
16. Support with leadership development, succession planning and talent initiatives.
17. Support managers and teams with training and development programmes.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
18. Strong HR leadership experience within a multi‑site or complex organisation.
19. Excellent understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
20. Confidence managing sensitive or complex employee relations matters.
21. Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.
22. A positive, people‑focused leadership style with the ability to build strong relationships.
23. The ability to analyse data, spot trends and make clear recommendations.
24. A proactive, solutions‑focused approach and the ability to work at pace.
25. CIPD is desirable but not essential.
Our values
Our SMILE values are embedded in to our company and ensure our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.
26. Supportive
27. Motivational
28. Innovative
29. Loyal
30. Excellent
Why Join Us?
31. A values‑driven culture where colleagues feel supported, appreciated and part of a team.
32. Opportunities for development, progression and professional growth.
33. A dynamic, friendly and supportive People Team working at the heart of a growing organisation.
34. The chance to make a meaningful impact on the colleague experience in a growing successful business.
Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles.