Head of People Operations – Exeter (On-site)

Synergise Recruitment Solutions Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergise Recruitment Solutions is exclusively working with a growing Exeter business to appoint its first dedicated HR Manager. This is a hands-on, on-site role covering every department and serving as the senior HR voice across the site.

You will own people policies, lead employee relations and recruitment, and stay ahead of employment law changes. The successful candidate will report to the Director and build the HR function for a 100+ team.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualified.
• Solid experience operating at HR Manager level.
• Able to shield senior leadership from day-to-day noise while flagging what genuinely matters.
• Assertive and approachable – comfortable challenging directors when it's the right call.
• Company-first mindset – commercially minded, not just process-driven.
• Equally credible with warehouse teams and office staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations – disciplinaries, grievances, absence, performance and capability.
• Own policies, handbook and compliance, including work currently supported externally.
• Coach and upskill managers across the business.
• Run recruitment and onboarding, including agency and temporary workforce.
• Keep on top of employment law, including upcoming changes.
• Lead workforce planning, retention and engagement.
• Act as a genuine people advisor to the Director, not just an admin function.

Job description

Synergise Recruitment Solutions is exclusively working with a growing Exeter business to appoint its first dedicated HR Manager. This is a hands-on, on-site role covering every department and serving as the senior HR voice across the site.

You will own people policies, lead employee relations and recruitment, and stay ahead of employment law changes. The successful candidate will report to the Director and build the HR function for a 100+ team.