HR Manager

Alexander Mae HR Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Bristol manufacturer is seeking an experienced HR Manager for a 12-month maternity cover contract. The role involves leading the HR function, managing a team, and partnering with senior leaders to drive HR strategies. The ideal candidate will have strong UK employment law knowledge and proven HR leadership experience. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £60,000 and excellent benefits including 25 days holiday.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Matched pension up to 6%

Life assurance (4x salary)

Cycle to work scheme

Health cashback plan

Corporate gym memberships

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Qualifications

• Proven HR leadership experience, ideally in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law.
• Experience managing and developing a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the HR function.
• Manage a team of four HR professionals.
• Act as escalation point for daily HR queries.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Knowledge of UK employment law

Team management

Excellent communication skills

Experience in ER and recruitment

High level of IT literacy

Job description

HR Manager (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Up to £60,000 + Excellent Benefits

Start: December/January

Hours: Full-time, site-based

About the Company

Our client is a leading Bristol manufacturer, employing around 500 employees across three sites across Bristol. This role is based in their Head Office in South Bristol (BS3).

The Role

We are looking for an experienced HR Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. Reporting to the HR Director, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the HR function, manage a team of four, and partner closely with senior leaders to drive the people strategy, engagement, culture, and operational excellence.

This is a hands‑on, varied HR leadership role within a friendly, values‑driven environment where you will play a key role in organisational effectiveness and employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the escalation point for daily HR queries, including ER, payroll admin, pensions, benefits, family leave and recruitment.
• Provide practical, solution‑focused HR guidance to managers and employees.
• Line manage and develop a team of four HR professionals.
• Run 1:1s, team meetings, cross‑skilling and development planning.
• Maintain and update the HR skills matrix; drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior managers to support business objectives and workforce planning.
• Support leadership development and talent initiatives.
• Lead or support restructuring and consultation activities.
• Support salary benchmarking and annual pay review processes.
• Oversee L&D activity including compliance and H&S training delivery.
• Support the apprenticeship levy programme and management training.
• Monitor L&D budget and activity.
• Champion company values and lead employee engagement activity.
• Chair the Employee Voice Group.
• Work with Internal Comms/Marketing to deliver communication strategies.
• Drive wellbeing initiatives.
• Ensure accuracy of HR data and produce KPIs, metrics and reports.
• Manage the HR annual calendar and support policy updates.
• Keep up to date with employment law and implement required changes.
• Support EDI initiatives.
• Work with the H&S Manager on health surveillance, OH, and H&S‑related projects.
• Lead or support key HR projects such as ATS implementation and leadership development programmes.

The Person

• Proven HR leadership experience (ideally in manufacturing or industrial sectors).
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience managing and developing a team.
• Confident business partner with excellent communication and coaching skills.
• Strong ER, recruitment and L&D experience.
• High level of IT literacy; HRIS/ATS implementation experience beneficial.
• Experience with wellbeing, engagement or H&S initiatives advantageous.
• Understanding of EDI and apprenticeship levy management desirable.

Salary & Benefits

• Up to £60,000 salary
• 25 days holiday
• Matched pension up to 6% (after 3 months)
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary advance & travel schemes
• Health cashback plan
• Corporate gym memberships
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)