HR Manager

Key Talent Solutions; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP 24/7

Mental health resources

Free online GP

Health Cash Plan

Cancer Cover

Flexible pay access

Money Helper

Life assurance

Online fitness resources

Cycle to Work

Gym discounts

National Trust activities

Job summary

Key Talent Solutions is seeking an experienced HR Manager to support colleges across the UK from Lancaster. The role involves delivering operational HR support, handling complex employee relations matters and collaborating with the HR Business Partner to implement effective people strategies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially aware HR professional with strong employee relations experience who can provide practical HR advice, support organisational change and contribute to

Qualifications

• Experience in employee relations and UK employment legislation.
• Ability to coach and influence managers on HR matters.
• Experience delivering HR training and development.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional HR guidance to managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance and attendance matters.
• Manage complex employee relations cases and ensure compliance with policies.
• Review investigations and HR documentation; identify gaps and action required.
• Monitor HR caseloads, timescales, and risks; escalate where needed.
• Support recruitment campaigns and management development sessions.
• Deputise for HRBP and deliver organisational change initiatives.
• Analyse HR data and contribute to workforce planning and reporting.

Skills

Employee relations

UK employment law

Coaching managers

Stakeholder management

HR policy knowledge

Job description

Location: Lancaster, UK (with travel to other college locations across the UK)

Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Manager to join an established education organisation supporting colleges across the UK.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering operational HR support, managing complex employee relations matters and working closely with the HR Business Partner to implement effective people strategies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially aware HR professional with strong employee relations experience who can provide practical HR advice, support organisational change and contribute to continuous improvement across the education division.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Employee Relations

• Provide professional HR advice and guidance to managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance and attendance matters.
• Manage complex employee relations cases, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies.
• Review investigation reports and HR documentation, identifying gaps and recommending further action where necessary.
• Monitor HR caseloads, timescales, suspensions and potential organisational risks.
• Support line managers in resolving employee relations issues before formal procedures become necessary.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are applied consistently across allocated college locations.
• Escalate particularly complex, sensitive or high-risk matters to the HR Business Partner.

People Management & Development

• Support the HR Business Partner in delivering the organisation's People Plan.
• Provide coaching and guidance to line managers on effective employee management.
• Support recruitment campaigns, selection processes and recruitment events.
• Deliver HR training, inductions and management development sessions.
• Work collaboratively with HR administration teams to maintain accurate employee records.
• Deputise for the HR Business Partner when required.

Organisational Change & HR Projects

• Support organisational change initiatives, including TUPE transfers, restructuring and reorganisations.
• Lead allocated HR projects and support organisational integrations.
• Review existing HR processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Identify people-related risks and implement appropriate solutions.
• Support internal HR audits and ensure compliance with organisational standards.

Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Produce and analyse HR management information, identifying trends, risks and areas for improvement.
• Build effective relationships with college leadership teams, operational managers and external advisers.
• Attend management meetings to provide professional HR guidance and updates.
• Contribute to senior leadership discussions on workforce planning, recruitment and employee relations.
• Work closely with the wider HR and People teams to ensure consistent HR service delivery.
• Proven experience in an HR Manager, HR Adviser, Senior HR Adviser or similar operational HR role with substantial employee relations responsibility.
• Strong experience managing complex disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance and absence management cases.
• Good working knowledge of UK employment legislation, HR policies and best practices.
• Experience supporting organisational change, including TUPE, restructuring or reorganisations.
• Ability to provide practical and commercially focused HR advice to managers and senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to coach and influence managers on employee relations and people management.
• Experience preparing and analysing HR reports and management information.
• Strong organisational, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, competing priorities and confidential information effectively.
• Willingness and ability to travel to college locations across the UK when required.
• Previous HR experience within education, colleges or a multi-site organisation.
• Experience contributing to organisational People Plans and workforce development strategies.
• Experience supporting HR audits, policy implementation and process improvements.
• Experience delivering HR training and management development programmes.
• Experience working closely with senior leadership teams and operational stakeholders.

Employee Benefits

The organisation offers a comprehensive employee support and benefits package, including:

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Mental health resources, meditation apps and bereavement support.
• Free online GP access.
• Health Cash Plan and Cancer Cover.
• Flexible pay access and financial wellbeing resources.
• Utility bill savings and Money Helper.
• Life assurance.
• Online fitness and workout resources.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Access to National Trust activities.

Safer Recruitment

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.