Human Resources Manager

VACGEN; Herstmonceux; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

25 days holiday

Salary sacrifice pension

Life insurance

State-of-the-art working environment

Competitive salary

Job summary

VACGEN is a world-leading manufacturer of ultra-high vacuum technology. VACGEN is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to join our leadership team and lead a comprehensive HR service across the business.

This role combines strategic influence with hands‑on operational delivery, reporting to the Managing Director and playing a key role in developing our people strategy and fostering a high‑performance culture.

Qualifications

• MCIPD qualification with significant post‑qualification experience.
• Degree qualification or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years' generalist HR experience at HR Manager level within a medium‑sized organisation.
• Experience operating in a standalone HR leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience within an engineering and/or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in recruitment, employee relations, compliance, and risk management.
• Experience presenting reports and recommendations to senior leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment activities and workforce planning to support business growth.
• Partner with the Managing Director and Leadership Team on strategic HR initiatives and projects.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, redundancy, and dispute resolution.
• Manage talent development, succession planning, and performance management processes.
• Maintain and develop HR policies and procedures in line with employment legislation and best practice.
• Oversee HR systems, employee records, and GDPR compliance.
• Manage payroll through an outsourced bureau, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Build strong relationships with external providers including recruitment agencies, training providers, and HR software partners.
• Support occupational health activities and employee wellbeing initiatives.
• Produce HR reports and management information to support business decision‑making.
• Coach and advise managers on all aspects of people management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

HR strategy

Education

MCIPD qualified

Degree qualified

Job description

Location: Hailsham, BN27 4EL – Office Based
Salary: Competitive, DOE + Excellent Benefits!
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Benefits: A competitive salary, private medical insurance, 25 days holiday, salary sacrifice company pension, life insurance, a state-of-the-art working environment!

Shape People Strategy. Drive Business Performance. Make a Real Impact.

VACGEN is a world-leading manufacturer of ultra-high vacuum technology, supplying innovative solutions to scientific research and high-tech industries across the globe.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Human Resources Manager to join our leadership team and lead the delivery of a comprehensive HR service across the business.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned HR professional who enjoys both strategic influence and hands‑on operational delivery.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in developing our people strategy, supporting business growth, and fostering a high‑performance culture.

As HR Manager, you will work closely with senior leaders and managers across the organisation to provide expert HR guidance, ensure legal compliance, and deliver effective people solutions that support our business objectives.

You will take ownership of the HR function, leading all aspects of employee relations, recruitment, payroll oversight, policy development, talent management, and organisational development.

As our Human Resources Manager you will:

• Partner with the Managing Director and Leadership Team on strategic HR initiatives and projects
• Lead recruitment activities and workforce planning to support business growth
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, redundancy, and dispute resolution
• Manage talent development, succession planning, and performance management processes
• Maintain and develop HR policies and procedures in line with employment legislation and best practice
• Oversee HR systems, employee records, and GDPR compliance
• Manage payroll through an outsourced bureau, ensuring accuracy and timely processing
• Build strong relationships with external providers including recruitment agencies, training providers, and HR software partners
• Support occupational health activities and employee wellbeing initiatives
• Produce HR reports and management information to support business decision‑making
• Coach and advise managers on all aspects of people management

About You

You are an experienced HR professional who combines strategic thinking with a practical, hands‑on approach.

You are confident influencing senior stakeholders, managing complex employee relations matters, and driving positive change across an organisation.

In order to be successful in this role you must have / be:

• MCIPD qualified with significant post‑qualification experience
• Degree qualified or equivalent
• Minimum 10 years' generalist HR experience at HR Manager level within a medium‑sized organisation
• Experience operating in a standalone HR leadership role
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience within an engineering and/or manufacturing environment
• Proven experience in recruitment, employee relations, compliance, and risk management
• Experience presenting reports and recommendations to senior leadership teams

It would be great if you had:

• HRIS and payroll systems expertise
• Development and implementation of HR policies and procedures
• Occupational Health management
• HR analytics, management information, and workforce insights

What We're Looking For

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• A practical, solution‑focused mindset
• Excellent coaching, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities
• High levels of organisation and attention to detail
• Ability to work autonomously and manage changing priorities
• Proactive and self‑motivated approach

Why Join VACGEN?

At VACGEN, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact within a successful and growing manufacturing business.

You'll work closely with senior leadership, shape people strategy, and help build a high‑performing culture while leading all aspects of the HR function.