HR Manager

Zoological Society of East Anglia; Breckland District; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Zoological Society of East Anglia seeks an HR Manager to lead a team and oversee all HR activities across their zoos. This hands-on role balances strategic oversight with operational responsibilities, providing support to 200 employees. Ideal candidates possess strong HR experience, particularly in charity or hospitality settings, and must be prepared for diverse day-to-day tasks, promoting a collaborative and adaptable culture.

Benefits

Complementary tickets

Discount on catering and retail products

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years working at a similar level.
• Knowledge of employment law, GDPR, & Safeguarding.
• Experience in standalone HR roles, ideally within charity or visitor attractions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a busy HR team.
• Provide HR advice and support to employees and managers.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and compliance with HR policies.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

CIPD Level 5

Tools

Microsoft 365

Fourth HR System

Sage

Job description

The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), the charity behind Banham Zoo and Africa Alive, is seeking an establishedHR Managerto join our close-knit team.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and manage a busy HR team of three, with accountability for all HR activity across both zoos. The HR advisor, HR manager and the Payroll Officer. This is a hands-on generalist role that balances strategic oversight (about 20% of the job) with operational HR delivery and associated admin (the rest), supporting all levels of the organisation across the 200 employees. You will play a key role in providing generalist HR advice and support to employees and line managers alike.Whilst you will find that no two days are the same, your workload will be based on providing a full HR Manager role.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a point of contact for HR matters across both sites, providing guidance on employee relations, policy interpretation, and employment legislation.
• Lead complex ER casework including investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures, absence management and performance issues.
• Equal share of the associated admin tasks in the department – there is no HR administrator in the team, and the admin burden is significant
• Reviewing and/or creating HR policies and procedures that align with the charity’s values and ensuring legal compliance.
• Oversee and support end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, and talent retention initiatives.
• Collaborate with department heads to identify learning and development needs, sourcing and delivering effective training solutions.
• Work closely with the Payroll Officer to ensure accurate people data, reporting, and monthly payroll coordination.
• You will be part of the Senior Leadership Team and create the quarterly board report.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a standalone or senior HR generalist role, ideally within a charity, hospitality, tourism, or visitor attraction setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex employee relations cases with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and willingness to contribute beyond the confines of a traditional HR remit.

·monitor our TNA system, working closely with our Payroll Officer, and therefore experience of the Fourth platform will be an advantage, although training will be given.

This is very much a hands-on role and will suit someone prepared to take on whatever personnel issue they may be confronted with, whilst presenting an approachable but professional, calm and knowledgeable stance.

Requirements

·CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience

·Minimum of three years working at a similar level

·Knowledge and application of employment law, including GDPR & Safeguarding

·Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365, including Excel, Word & PowerPoint

·Experience using the Fourth HR and Sage and a time and attendance system desirable.

·Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting

·Attention to detail, excellent organisation and time management skills

·Driving licence and access to own transport as the role involves working at both parks, Banham Zoo and Africa Alive, Kessingland.

Why Join Us?

The culture at ZSEA very much encourages individuals to help out with other teams when required – on busy days, you may even find yourself clearing tables in a Catering outlet, directing cars in the car park or manning a walk-through area talking to visitors – so having a “can-do” approach is essential.

Benefits include complementary tickets, discount on catering and retail products.

• Please send your CV and covering letter to [e-mail]