HR Manager - Bristol Head Office / Hybrid

Space Engineering Services; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an HR Manager to oversee employee relations and development. This role involves managing team members, handling complex ER cases, and improving HR processes. The ideal candidate has a strong background in employee relations, training and development, with excellent communication skills. This position offers hybrid working, private healthcare, and various employee rewards.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Exclusive discounts

Life cover

Income protection

Competitive pension

Qualifications

• Strong experience in employee relations and People policy management.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee key aspects of the People function focused on employee relations.
• Support management with employment issues.
• Manage and mentor team members to ensure professional growth.

Skills

Employee relations

Team development

Training and development

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Tools

HR platforms (e.g., Cascade)

Job description

Location

Bristol Head Office / Hybrid (typically 2 days in the office, including Wednesdays)

Hours

37.5 per week, Monday to Friday (flexible working considered)

Purpose

The purpose of this role is to…

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage key aspects of the People function, with a strong focus on employee relations (ER), management development, data and internal communications.
• Support the People & Development Director with employment issues across the business, working within the People Team based at head office in Bristol.
• Take a hands‑on, operational approach, spending around half of the role on ER (including coaching and developing junior team members) and the remainder on improving People processes, targeted management training, and People projects that enhance employee experience and operational effectiveness.

What you’ll be…

• Management & Team Development
• Manage, mentor, and develop team members, setting clear objectives and promoting professional growth.
• Conduct performance reviews, set team goals, and drive continuous improvement in People service delivery.
• Ensure effective resource planning and develop processes that support operational excellence.
• Employee Relations (ER) & Compliance
• Oversee day‑to‑day ER activity, supporting and developing the People Team to ensure consistent, fair, and timely case management; personally handling complex ER matters such as disability‑related absence or bullying / harassment cases.
• Guide managers on ER issues, ensuring fair and legally compliant outcomes.
• Maintain up‑to‑date, legally compliant People policies and lead policy reviews as required.
• Management Training & Development
• Identify targeted management training needs and deliver practical, skills‑based sessions as required.
• Design and update training materials, track effectiveness, and make improvements.
• People Systems & Data Management
• Ensure accurate data management and develop insightful reports to support decision‑making.
• Troubleshoot system issues and provide training and support to ensure effective system use.
• Internal People Communications
• Produce clear and engaging internal People communications, supporting employee engagement and awareness initiatives.
• HR Projects & Business Change
• Own and improve key People processes, such as appraisals, exit interviews, and policy reviews.
• Lead selected People projects and initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, employee experience, and change management.
• Partner with stakeholders on projects including policy updates, benefits reviews, or system implementations.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnership
• Work proactively with business leaders and external partners, recommending People solutions and driving positive change.

What success looks like…

• Team members achieve development milestones and receive clear support and guidance.
• Complex ER cases are handled efficiently, compliantly, and with minimal risk.
• Managers feel confident and supported through training and guidance.
• People systems are effectively used, ensuring accurate data and streamlined processes.
• Internal People communications are clear, timely and well‑received.
• People policies and processes are up to date and compliant.
• Projects are planned, managed and delivered on time and to a high standard.

We’d love to meet someone with…

• People Expertise : Strong experience in employee relations, training & development, and People policy management.
• Leadership : Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop People team members.
• ER Specialist : Experience managing complex ER cases and supporting managers.
• Training & Development : Skilled in designing and delivering impactful management training.
• Systems Knowledge : Experience with HR platforms (e.g., Cascade).
• Communication : Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to influence stakeholders.
• Organisational Skills : Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to business needs.
• Stakeholder Management : Experience partnering with business leaders and external HR / legal advisors.
• Commercial Awareness : Ability to balance business needs with People best practice.
• A values driven approach : it’s not just what we do, but how we do it that’s important at Space. We’re Here for Each Other, Here for our Customers and Here for What Matters.

It would be great if you also had…

• TUPE experience.
• Change management and delivery experience.
• Project management and delivery experience.

What’s in it for you…

At Space Engineering Services, we believe great work deserves great rewards. That’s why we offer private healthcare, a Health Cash Plan, and a 24 / 7 Employee Assistance Programme to support you and your family. You can enjoy exclusive discounts on everything from groceries to gym memberships, plus life cover, income protection, and a competitive pension. Add in eyecare vouchers, recognition awards, and family‑friendly leave, and you’ll see that working at Space Engineering Services is about more than a job… because at Space, we believe in giving you more than a role, we give you Your Space to succeed.