HR Manager
South West Metal Finishing is appointing a new HR Manager to strengthen its people strategy during a period of growth, change and investment.
This is a hands-on, influential role offering autonomy, leadership exposure and the opportunity to shape HR in a highly accredited engineering environment.
You'll benefit from working closely with senior leaders, a stable workforce and a business that values quality, people and long-term success.
Click to Apply
About South West Metal Finishing
South West Metal Finishing is a long-established surface engineering specialist with over 90 years of industry experience. Operating multiple sites across the South West, SWMF supports customers in aerospace, defence, automotive, nuclear and advanced manufacturing, holding industry-leading accreditations including AS9100, ISO 9001 and NADCAP.
The business is known for its commitment to quality, compliance and continuous improvement, alongside a practical, people-focused culture. This HR Manager role is central to supporting that culture as the organisation continues to evolve.
The Role
As HR Manager, you will be the trusted HR lead for the business, providing pragmatic, commercially aware people support to leaders and teams across the organisation.
This is a true generalist role with the scope to influence, improve and embed HR practices, while remaining hands-on and visible within the business.
You will work closely with senior leadership, finance and payroll to ensure HR processes support operational needs, compliance requirements and employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management and employee relations.
Act as a trusted advisor to managers, providing clear, practical guidance on HR matters in line with employment law and best practice.
Manage and improve HR policies, procedures and systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and consistently applied.
Work collaboratively with payroll and finance to ensure accurate people data, absence management and contractual compliance.
Support organisational change, including structure changes, role development and workforce planning.
Champion a positive, inclusive and professional working environment across all sites.
Ensure compliance with employment legislation and support the business in meeting regulatory and audit requirements.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support a culture of accountability, fairness and development.
This role offers the opportunity to shape how HR operates, rather than simply maintain it.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced HR professional who enjoys working close to the business and building credibility through sound judgement and practical delivery.
You'll be well-suited to this role if you have:
Proven experience in an HR Manager or Senior HR Generalist role, ideally within manufacturing, engineering or a regulated environment.
Strong knowledge of UK employment law and confidence handling employee relations matters end-to-end.
Experience working closely with senior leaders and operational managers.
A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively when needed.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust at all levels of the organisation.
Experience supporting multi-site operations.
CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or part-qualified desirable.
What You'll Receive
Competitive salary ranging from £35,000 - £45,000 dependant on experience.
25 days holidays plus bank holidays + pension contributions.
A key leadership role with genuine influence and visibility.
Long-term stability within a well-established, growing business.
The opportunity to shape HR practices rather than inherit rigid frameworks.
A collaborative, down-to-earth working culture focused on quality and continuous improvement.
Location: Exeter, Devon (on-site across SWMF facilities)
Working Arrangement: Predominantly office-based to support operational teams, with flexibility where appropriate
Ready to Apply?
If you're an experienced HR Manager looking for a role where you can make a tangible impact, Click to Apply today.
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