Interim HR Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Central Cambridge

Job summary

Interim HR Manager position in Cambridge with hybrid work arrangement (minimum 3 days on-site). Salary 45,000–55,000 per annum pro rata; interim contract ~4 months; ASAP start. Lead a four-person HR team and deliver a compliant, professional HR service during a transition.

Reporting to SLT, you’ll advise on UK employment law, manage complex ER cases, update policies, and drive HR projects including HRIS improvements. Central Cambridge location with parking.

Qualifications

• Senior HR generalist with CIPD Level 7 or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and best practice.
• Experience managing complex employee relations and HR projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day HR function and team of four.
• Provide expert guidance on UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Handle employee relations casework including disciplinary, grievance and capability.
• Review and update HR policies and procedures for compliance.
• Support organisational projects and HRIS improvement efforts.
• Produce management information and reports for decision-making.
• Build strong relationships with managers and stakeholders.

Skills

HR leadership

UK employment law

Employee relations

Policies & procedures

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent

Tools

IRIS Cascade

Job description

Interim HR Manager

Location: Cambridge, Hybrid, minimum 3 days on-site
Salary: 45,000 - 55,000 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Interim, approximately 4 months
Start Date: ASAP

Are you an experienced HR professional looking for your next interim opportunity? We're seeking a confident and capable Interim HR Manager to provide leadership and hands-on support to a busy HR function during a period of transition.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and values-driven college in Cambridge, leading a small HR team and ensuring the delivery of an efficient, compliant and professional HR service.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the HR function, leading a team of four HR professionals and providing expert advice across the full employee lifecycle.

You will play a key role in maintaining operational excellence, supporting managers with complex employee relations matters and ensuring policies, procedures and systems remain effective and compliant.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day HR function and HR team.


• Provide expert guidance on UK employment law and HR best practice.


• Manage a range of employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance and capability matters.


• Review, update and maintain HR policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance.


• Support organisational projects and change initiatives as required.


• Contribute to HR systems development and implementation activities, with particular interest in HRIS improvements.


• Produce management information and reports to support business decision-making.


• Build strong relationships with managers and stakeholders across the organisation.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• CIPD Level 7 qualification or significant equivalent senior HR generalist experience.


• Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.


• Proven experience managing complex employee relations casework.


• Strong experience reviewing and implementing HR policies and procedures.


• Previous involvement in HR systems implementation projects, ideally with IRIS Cascade.


• Experience working within higher education, charity, public sector or similarly governance-led environments would be advantageous.


• A calm, pragmatic and highly professional approach, with excellent levels of discretion and confidentiality.


• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of 45,000 - 55,000 (pro rata).


• Immediate start opportunity.


• A varied and impactful interim assignment.


• The opportunity to lead an established HR team within a respected organisation.


• Central Cambridge location with free parking.