Human Resources Manager

Lily Shippen; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lily Shippen is seeking an experienced HR Generalist to own the people function across Northampton and Manchester. You will work closely with the Finance Director and senior leadership to lead people strategy for 42 employees, advise the Board on HR matters, and manage a team of three Executive Assistants across two locations.

The role requires UK employment law knowledge, full lifecycle HR experience, and strong stakeholder communication.

Qualifications

• Proven generalist HR experience in a standalone role.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER matters.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and Board-level HR guidance.
• Ability to present HR data, risks and recommendations to the Board.
• Experience managing full employee lifecycle.
• Previous people management experience in a support/HR function.
• Ability to develop and deliver people strategies and engagement initiatives.
• Strong reporting, analytics and problem-solving skills.
• Commercially minded, resilient and able to manage a varied workload independently.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Northampton and Manchester.

Responsibilities

• Lead the people function across two locations.
• Advise the Board on HR matters and strategy.
• Oversee recruitment lifecycle from hiring to exit.
• Manage a team of three Executive Assistants across two sites.
• Collaborate with Finance Director and senior leadership.
• Develop and implement people initiatives and training programs.

Skills

Generalist HR

Standalone role

Board-level advisory

HR analytics

Employee lifecycle

Stakeholder engagement

People management

Travel between sites

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Education

CIPD qualification (desirable)

Job description

We're recruiting on behalf of our client, a real estate business, who are looking for an experienced HR Generalist to take ownership of their people function across Manchester and Northampton.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded HR professional who enjoys autonomy and wants to make a genuine impact. Working closely with the Finance Director and senior leadership team, you'll lead the people strategy for a business of 42 employees, advise the Board on HR matters and manage a team of three Executive Assistants across two locations.

Role Snapshot

Job Title: HR Generalist

Location: Ideally Northampton-based, with regular travel to Manchester

Key Requirements

• Proven generalist HR experience with the confidence to operate in a standalone role
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and experience managing employee relations matters
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and providing commercially focused HR guidance
• Confidence presenting HR data, people risks and recommendations at Board level
• Experience managing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to exit
• Previous people management experience, ideally within a business support or HR function
• Ability to develop and deliver people strategies, training plans and employee engagement initiatives
• Strong reporting, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Commercially minded, resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage a varied workload independently
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills across all levels of a business
• CIPD qualification or equivalent would be desirable
• Willingness to travel regularly between Northampton and Manchester