Horwood House Hotel, a stunning country house set within 38 acres near Milton Keynes, is seeking a proactive and people-focused
Assistant HR Manager
to join our growing team. You will be delivering exceptional HR practices that enhance employee experience, engagement, and operational excellence across the hotel.
About the Role
As Assistant HR Manager, you will be at the heart of our people operations, ensuring that recruitment, onboarding, learning, payroll, employee engagement, and HR compliance are managed efficiently. This is a hands-on role ideal for a professional passionate about hospitality and people, looking to make a real impact in a fast-paced, service-led environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment & Onboarding
* Manage full-cycle recruitment, from advertising roles to shortlisting, interviews, and pre-employment checks.
* Work with owner-approved agencies for managerial vacancies.
* Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract top talent.
* Prepare new starter documentation and deliver structured inductions tailored to each role.
Employee Relations
* Advise and support managers on performance management, sickness, disciplinary, and grievance matters.
* Ensure timely completion of employee reviews and appraisals.
Learning & Development
* Assess training needs and deliver comprehensive programs, including H&S, Guest Relations, and hotel operations.
* Organise in-house and external training, apprenticeships, and continuous professional development initiatives.
* Maintain accurate training records and manage the Learning Management System (Flow).
Payroll & Rewards
* Provide accurate payroll data to Finance and maintain HRIS records.
* Support pay reviews and the annual performance cycle.
Employee Engagement
* Develop colleague recognition and reward programs, including long-service recognition.
* Organise employee engagement initiatives, social events, and forums to embed company values.
HR Operations & Compliance
* Liaise with the hotel's external HR consultant on all HR matters.
* Maintain accurate employee records in compliance with GDPR.
* Review and update HR policies and procedures regularly.
* Provide practical HR guidance and hands-on support to GM, HMs, and HODs.
* Manage operational tasks including uniforms, IT access, and HR communications.
About You
* CIPD Level 3 qualified (or working towards Level 5) or equivalent HR experience.
* Previous HR experience, ideally in hospitality or service-focused sectors.
* Strong knowledge of HR practices, employment law, and employee engagement strategies.
* Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* A proactive, approachable, and hands-on professional with a passion for people.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary & benefits package.
* Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
* Staff discounts on food, beverages, and hotel stays.
* Free parking and meals on duty.
* A supportive, collaborative, and vibrant working environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site gym
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Experience:
* HR in Hotel Background: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* CIPD Level 3 or above (required)
Work Location: In person