HR Manager Mergers And Acquisitions

SF Recruitment; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services organisation in the UK is seeking a strategic HR Manager - M&A Lead. This role involves leading HR due diligence and partnering with senior stakeholders to ensure compliance and effective people strategies during mergers and acquisitions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in HR M&A, deep understanding of UK employment law, and excellent project management skills. This position offers a hybrid work model, based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Belfast.

Qualifications

• Proven background in HR M&A activity, TUPE transfers, or restructuring.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR due diligence, assessing risks and people strategies across transactions.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to advise on TUPE and legal obligations.
• Shape Day 1 readiness and post-deal integration plans.

Skills

HR M&A activity

UK employment law

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in HR, Business, Law, or related field

CIPD Level 7

Job description

Overview

SF Recruitment are partnering with a leading professional services organisation who are on an exciting growth journey. They're looking for a strategic and experienced HR Manager - M&A Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping the people agenda across mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. This is a fantastic opportunity for a forward-thinking HR professional to drive cultural integration, ensure legal and regulatory compliance (including TUPE), and deliver a seamless people experience throughout the deal lifecycle.

HR Manager - M&A Lead

Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow or Belfast (Hybrid)

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week) hybrid 2-3 days office based.

Role

• Lead HR due diligence, assessing risks, opportunities, and people strategies across transactions.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to advise on TUPE, legal obligations, and workforce harmonisation.
• Shape and execute Day 1 readiness and post-deal integration/separation plans.
• Build frameworks and playbooks to ensure repeatable, efficient HR M&A execution.
• Support employee engagement, cultural alignment, and retention strategies during change.
• Manage employee relations and contribute to HR operations between deals.

What We're Looking For

• Degree in HR, Business, Law, or related field (CIPD Level 7 desirable).
• Proven background in HR M&A activity, TUPE transfers, or restructuring.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Professional services, consultancy, or private equity experience would be an advantage.
• Highly organised, analytical, and able to navigate complex HR challenges with discretion