Human Resources Manager

Ashley Kate HR & Finance; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashley Kate HR & Finance are supporting a Milton Keynes client to recruit a permanent HR Manager. The role leads the HR function at Milton Keynes HQ, reporting to senior leadership and managing a small two-person HR team.

You will own the full employee lifecycle for a workforce under 400, balancing strategic and operational HR within a fast-paced environment. You will drive employee engagement, HR compliance, and positive workplace culture, supporting business objectives and growth in the UK.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 or working towards preferred.
• Proven experience as standalone HR Manager or HR Business Partner.
• Experience mentoring a small HR team and strong knowledge of UK employment law.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a two-person HR team.
• Provide expert HR advice and support to managers across the business.
• Oversee employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, absence management and performance issues.
• Drive recruitment and onboarding to attract and retain talent.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures and governance.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Employee relations

Recruitment & onboarding

HR policy development

HR analytics

Communication

Education

CIPD Level 7

Working towards CIPD Level 7

Job description

Ashley Kate HR & Finance are excited to be supporting our client in the MIlton Keynes area as they recruit a permanent HR Manager.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Manager to lead and develop our people function at our Milton Keynes headquarters.

Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will manage a small HR team of two and take ownership of the full employee lifecycle across a workforce of fewer than 400 employees. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded HR professional who enjoys operating both strategically and operationally within a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

As the HR Manager, you will play a key role in supporting business objectives, driving employee engagement, ensuring HR compliance, and fostering a positive, high-performing workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of two.
• Provide expert HR advice and support to managers and leaders across the business.
• Oversee all employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, and performance issues.
• Drive recruitment and onboarding activities to attract and retain top talent.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and HR governance requirements.
• Support organisational change initiatives and business growth plans.
• Manage succession planning, talent development, and learning initiatives.
• Analyse HR metrics and provide insight and recommendations to leadership teams.
• Lead employee engagement activities and wellbeing initiatives.
• Oversee payroll-related HR administration and ensure employee records are maintained accurately.

About You

We're looking for an HR professional who can build strong relationships across all levels of the business and combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach.

• CIPD Level 7 or working towards preferred
• Proven experience in a standalone HR Manager, or HR Business Partner role.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring an HR team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience handling complex employee relations cases.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to balance strategic projects with day-to-day operational HR activities.

If you are an experienced HR professional looking for your next leadership opportunity and enjoy working in a business that offers a fast paced environment, we'd love to hear from you.