HR Manager

Acorn Training Ltd; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training organization in Stoke-on-Trent is looking for an HR Manager to oversee and enhance HR functions. The role involves managing employee relations, implementing HR strategy, and improving engagement within the organization. Candidates should have strong HR experience, a level 7 CIPD qualification, and demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive workplace culture. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Significant HR experience in a business partnering role across complex environments.
• Proven experience managing change and organisational development projects.
• Strong background in employee relations and UK employment law.

Responsibilities

• Act as a HR manager across the Group, providing professional support.
• Lead and inspire the HR team, creating a culture of continuous learning.
• Deliver the Group's People Strategy, driving workstreams in leadership and engagement.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Relationship-building skills

Education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent

Level 2 IT Qualification

Level 5 management qualification

Degree level qualification

Job description

Department: HR

Location: Hanley

Compensation: £35,000 - £41,000 / year

Description

We reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time if we receive suitable applications for the role.

Please note the role is 22.5 - 37.5 hours. Salary will be pro-rata

Applicants must have right to work in the UK

To manage all core HR departmental areas including employee relations, HR admin, learning and development, employee engagement, payroll admin. To oversee the HR function by developing and implementing HR strategy, policies and procedures to support business objectives. Working with teams, managers, and the Executive Management Team (EMT) to strengthen organisational capability, embed a positive people culture. The role is pivotal in creating a high-performance, inclusive and well-led environment, improving employee engagement and wellbeing while enabling business objectives.

This role will also lead on enhancing the HR function, developing services and systems that are proactive, innovative, and truly valued across the business.


Key Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators

• Act as a HR manager across the Group, providing professional support, coaching and challenge to senior leaders, people managers, and teams.
• Lead and inspire the HR team, creating a culture of continuous learning, empowerment, and collaborative working.
• Deliver the Group’s People Strategy, driving forward workstreams in areas such as leadership capability, talent development, workforce planning and engagement.
• Champion and embed a strong culture that prioritises colleague wellbeing, recognition, inclusion and positive behaviour.
• Provide timely and insightful HR data and analysis, including monthly MI reports, to the EMT to inform decision making and performance tracking.
• Take the lead on strategic HR projects including TUPE transfers, change management and cultural transformation.
• Continuously review and refine HR processes to ensure they support employee efficiency and experience.
• Build line manager capability through training, coaching and tools on performance management, employee relations, wellbeing and engagement.
• Manage complex employee relations matters effectively and sensitively, ensuring compliance with UK employment law and best practice.
• Drive consistency and compliance by embedding and maintaining effective HR policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Lead on health and wellbeing initiatives to ensure Acorn is a supportive and safe place to work.
• Play an active role in supporting Acorn’s values-led culture, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement, and Information Security and Quality priorities.

Key Performance Indicators

• Positive trends in employee engagement and wellbeing metrics
• Leadership capability improvements through 1-2-1s and development activity
• MI and HR insight provided to EMT accurately and on time
• Compliance with employment legislation and internal HR processes
• Positive outcomes in ER casework, demonstrating resolution and support
• Implementation of people strategies and cultural initiatives
  
  
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications and specific training

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent (essential)
• Level 2 IT Qualification (essential)
• Level 5 management qualification (desirable)
• Degree level qualification (desirable)

Experience

• Significant HR experience in a business partnering role across complex environments (essential)
• Proven experience managing change and organisational development projects (essential)
• Strong background in employee relations and UK employment law (essential)
• TUPE transfer experience (desirable)
• Experience within education, employability, or skills sectors (desirable)

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills (essential)
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills (essential)
• Capable of managing sensitive/confidential information with integrity (essential)
• Strong problem-solving, time management and initiative (essential)
• Full driving licence (essential)
• Skilled in presenting data and insight to drive decisions (desirable)

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, reasonable adjustments can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy

Please get in contact with [e-mail] to discuss alternative options you may require, or alternative application methods