HR MANAGER

Team Jobs - Commercial; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organisation in fresh produce and distribution is seeking an experienced HR Manager to oversee HR operations across multiple sites. This standalone role requires a strong HR generalist with a solid understanding of UK employment law and excellent communication skills. You will act as a strategic advisor while managing day-to-day HR activities and leading transformation initiatives. The company offers competitive benefits including 25 days of leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Optional share scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Medical expenses cash-back plan

Life assurance

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience managing employee relations cases.
• Ability to balance operational demands with strategic goals.
• Confident working independently.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director.
• Oversee HR activity across multiple locations.
• Guide the business through ongoing transformation.

Skills

Strong HR generalist background

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder management skills

Solutions-focused approach

Experience in multi-site environments

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience

Job description

HR Manager
Location: Southampton (with regular travel)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Overview

We’re partnering with a well‑established organisation within the UK's fresh produce and distribution sector to support them in recruiting an experienced HR Manager. This business operates across multiple sites and is entering an exciting phase of growth and change. They are looking for a confident, capable HR professional to take ownership of the people function and play a key part in shaping their people strategy.

The Role

This is a standalone HR Manager position, reporting directly into the senior leadership team. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and site management teams, providing both strategic guidance and hands‑on support across all areas of the employee lifecycle.

You will oversee HR activity across three key UK locations and will be responsible for embedding consistent, values‑led people practices while guiding the business through ongoing transformation. This role requires someone who is comfortable balancing day‑to‑day operational demands with long‑term strategic goals.

Key Requirements

• Strong HR generalist background, ideally with experience at HR Manager level or similar
• Solid understanding of UK employment law and proven experience managing employee relations cases
• Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills
• Confident working independently and making pragmatic, informed decisions
• Experience working across multi‑site or operational environments
• Solutions‑focused approach with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Willingness to travel between regional sites as needed

Desirable Experience

• CIPD Level 5 (or higher) or equivalent experience
• Exposure to the fresh produce, wholesale, or similar fast‑paced industry is beneficial but not essential

Benefits Include

• 25 days annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Optional share scheme
• Learning and development opportunitiesFree onsite parking
• Medical expenses cash‑back plan
• Life assurance
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies

Interested?

If you’re an experienced HR professional looking for a standalone position where you can influence both operational and strategic direction, we’d be keen to discuss this opportunity with you.