Human Resources Manager

Quell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Quell, a high-growth defence and security AI technology start-up near Cambridge, is seeking an exceptional Human Resources Manager to own the people function. This hands-on role manages the full employee lifecycle, establishes key HR processes, and helps shape a supportive, high-performing culture as the company scales.

You will lead onboarding, policy development, payroll liaison, and compliance with UK employment law, while championing diversity and development initiatives and partnering with

Qualifications

• Proven HR generalist experience in fast-moving environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience running HR as a standalone function.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Manage full employee lifecycle including onboarding, probation, performance reviews and off-boarding.
• Be primary HR contact for managers and employees on HR matters.
• Develop and maintain HR policies and employee handbook for UK compliance.
• Guide on employee relations and support managers with best practices.
• Coordinate payroll input and employee benefits with finance and providers.
• Maintain HR systems, data and records and drive engagement initiatives.
• Support leadership with workforce planning and organisational development.
• Ensure health & safety compliance and champion diversity and inclusion.

Skills

HR generalist

UK employment law

standalone HR function

communication skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Job description

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and CNI sectors.

Based near Cambridge, we are seeking an exceptional Human Resources Manager to take ownership of the people function. This is a hands-on and varied role where you will manage the full employee lifecycle, introduce essential HR processes, and help shape a supportive and high-performing culture as the company scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, probation, performance reviews, and off-boarding
• Acting as the primary point of contact for managers and employees on HR matters
• Developing and maintaining HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook to ensure compliance with UK employment law
• Providing guidance on employee relations and supporting managers with best practice
• Manage all employee travel logistics, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and local transport requirements.
• Managing payroll input and employee benefits in collaboration with finance and external providers
• Maintaining accurate HR systems, data, and records
• Coordinating learning and development activities to support progression and capability building
• Driving employee engagement initiatives and fostering an inclusive, supportive culture
• Supporting leadership with workforce planning and organisational development
• Ensuring compliance with health & safety and other statutory requirements
• Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the business

Requirements

• Proven HR generalist experience, ideally within a start-up, scale-up, or fast-moving SME
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices
• Comfortable working as a standalone HR function, balancing strategic input with hands-on delivery
• Confident communicator able to build trust at all levels
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently
• CIPD Level 5 or above is desirable but not essential

Details

• Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, on-site
• Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
• Full UK driving licence required. If this isn't held, candidates will need to commit to obtaining within 6 months of their start date
• Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship.