HR Programmes Manager

VanRath; Newtownabbey; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent employer in Northern Ireland is seeking an experienced HR Programmes Manager for a hybrid role covering maternity leave. This position involves leading HR initiatives that enhance employee experience and support business performance. Ideal candidates will have a degree in HR or business, proven HR project experience, and strong stakeholder management skills. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working

Employee wellbeing focus

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering HR/People programmes or projects.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law.
• Confident using HR systems and data.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver people programmes and HR projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve the employee experience.
• Support implementation of digital HR systems.

Skills

Stakeholder management

HR systems usage

Communication

Education

Degree in HR, Business or related field

Tools

Workday

SAP SuccessFactors

Job description

HR Programmes Manager (FTC - Maternity Cover)

Location: Newtownabbey (Hybrid)
Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
Hours: 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs, 34 hours) or full-time depending on candidate preference

About the Organisation

Our client is a large, well-established employer in Northern Ireland, operating across multiple commercial sectors and recognised for its strong people-first culture.
You'll join a forward-thinking HR team that plays a major role in shaping and delivering a people strategy aligned to organisational growth, transformation, and continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced People Programmes Manager to join the Group HR team on a Fixed-Term Contract to cover a period of maternity leave.
This is a strategic, project-focused role where you'll partner closely with senior stakeholders to design, deliver and enhance a range of people initiatives aimed at improving the colleague experience and supporting business performance.
You'll take a lead on programmes in areas including:

• Talent management
• Reward
• Employee relations
• Engagement and employee voice
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
• People analytics and digital systems
• HR transformation and organisational change

It's an exciting opportunity for a skilled HR professional who enjoys variety, autonomy, and working in a complex, multi-site environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver people programmes and HR projects from design through to evaluation.
• Work with leaders to identify opportunities that improve the employee experience across the lifecycle.
• Support and deliver initiatives across talent, reward, ER, engagement, EDI and policy development.
• Support the implementation and enhancement of digital HR systems and analytics tools.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure alignment and value.
• Contribute to organisational design and wider change initiatives.
• Lead engagement and pulse surveys, analyse insights and support action planning.
• Provide expert advice on ER matters, including organisational change and TUPE when required.

About You

You bring a track record of delivering people-related projects and the confidence to influence at a senior level. You're an organised, forward-thinking HR professional who enjoys driving continuous improvement and developing solutions that balance both people and business needs.

Essential Criteria

• Degree or equivalent in HR, Business or a related field.
• Proven experience delivering HR/People programmes or projects.
• Expertise in at least two areas such as Talent, Reward, ER, EDI or Change Management.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and planning capability.
• Confident using HR systems and data to support decision‑making.

Desirable Criteria

• CIPD Chartered (or progressing towards).
• Experience in a unionised environment.
• Exposure to HR transformation or digital HR systems (e.g. Workday, SAP SuccessFactors).
• Formal project management qualification.
• Background in a fast‑paced commercial sector (e.g. retail or FMCG).

Why Apply?

• High‑impact role influencing people strategy across a large organisation.
• Flexible working (4‑day week or full‑time).
• Supportive, values‑led culture with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing.
• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful people initiatives and develop professionally.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted to [e-mail].
If you'd like a confidential discussion before applying, please contact Emma on 02890330250.