HR Manager - Growing Technology Company

Zero Surplus; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth AI technology company located in Saffron Walden is seeking an experienced HR Manager to take full ownership of the people function. The role involves managing the employee lifecycle, developing HR policies, and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Ideal candidates will have proven HR generalist experience, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and a proactive and adaptable mindset. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the HR function as the company scales.

Qualifications

• Proven HR generalist experience in a startup or scale-up environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Confident communicator, independent with significant responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage full employee lifecycle including onboarding and performance reviews.
• Act as point of contact for HR matters and develop HR policies.
• Support employee relations and guide best-practice people management.

Skills

HR generalist experience

Knowledge of UK employment law

Strong communication skills

Adaptability

Proactive mindset

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Job description

Overview

Office based in Saffron Walden. We are working exclusively with a high-growth AI technology company based in the Greater Cambridge area who are now looking to appoint their first dedicated HR Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR generalist to take full ownership of the people function and play a key role in shaping company culture as the business continues to scale.

Responsibilities

• Manage full employee lifecycle, from onboarding and probation through to performance reviews and offboarding.
• Act as primary point of contact for both managers and employees, advise on day‑to‑day HR matters while developing HR policies, processes, and the employee handbook to ensure ongoing compliance with UK employment law.
• Support employee relations cases and guide managers on best‑practice people management approaches.
• Collaborate closely with finance and external providers to manage payroll inputs and employee benefits.
• Maintain accurate HR systems and personnel records.
• Coordinate learning and development initiatives to support skills growth and career progression across the business.
• Drive employee engagement, build an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation.
• Support workforce planning and organisational development as the company grows.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and meet all statutory obligations.
• Build and shape the full HR function from the ground up.

Qualifications

• Proven HR generalist experience, ideally gained within a start‑up, scale‑up, or fast‑moving SME environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Confident and approachable communicator, comfortable working independently in a role with significant responsibility.
• Proactive and adaptable mindset, essential for balancing competing priorities in a growing business.
• CIPD Level 5 (or above) desirable but not essential.

Application

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