HR Manager (Maternity Cover)

(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]|[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks an adaptable HR Manager for a 4-month maternity cover contract based in Southend-on-Sea. This role involves managing the employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance, and improving workplace culture across multiple locations. Ideal candidates will possess strong HR expertise, excellent communication skills, and a proactive attitude towards employee relations.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in a generalist HR role is essential.
• Understanding of employment law and HR best practices required.

Responsibilities

• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes.
• Handle employee relations matters and maintain HR policies.
• Lead the annual appraisal process and drive employee engagement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Multitasking

Microsoft Office proficiency

Discretion

Job description

Position: HR Manager (4-Month Rolling Maternity Cover Contract)

Location: Southend-on-Sea
Contract Type: 4-month rolling contract (maternity cover)
Hours: 8am - 5pm

Key Responsibilities for a HR Manager:

We're looking for an experienced and adaptable HR Manager to join our team on a maternity cover basis. This 4-month rolling contract will support the HR function across three of our Europe businesses (approx. 70-80 employees) located in Southend and London.

As the HR Manager, you'll be responsible for all aspects of the employee lifecycle, ensuring legal compliance, maintaining a positive work culture, and supporting our managers and teams. You will also play a hands-on role in health & safety and site management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes
• Handling employee relations matters, disciplinaries, and welfare support
• Maintaining and updating HR policies and employment documentation
• Leading the annual appraisal process and supporting training coordination
• Ensuring HR records are accurate, up to date, and GDPR-compliant
• Collaborating with the Finance team to ensure payroll alignment
• Managing health & safety procedures with third-party support
• Providing first-line HR advice to staff and coaching to managers
• Overseeing employee engagement initiatives and internal communications
• Site management duties, including supervision of the Southend receptionist and coordination of facilities and contractor services

The role is based in our Southend studio, with occasional travel to London as required.

Key Qualities / Skills for a HR Manager:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Solid understanding of employment law and HR best practices
• Able to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism
• Highly organised with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively
• Confident working independently
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel)
• Experience with Apple Mac systems (helpful but not essential)
• Familiarity with health & safety and risk assessments

Experience Required for a HR Manager:

• At least 2 years in a generalist HR role (essential)
• Previous experience in health & safety responsibilities (preferred)

This is a great opportunity for an experienced HR professional to step in and support a growing business. If you're proactive and people-focused, we'd love to hear from you.

If you're interested in this role, please apply today!