Interim HR Manager

Ashley Kate HR & Finance; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy is seeking an experienced Interim HR Manager for a maternity cover role near Southend Airport. Responsibilities include managing HR operations, employee lifecycle, and health and safety. The ideal candidate has strong HR generalist experience and knowledge of UK employment law. This is an on-site role with flexibility for home working. The position offers a salary of £34,000 per annum for an initial 4 months with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• Proven HR generalist experience at HR Manager or Senior Advisor level.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience overseeing health and safety is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first contact for HR-related queries.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle.
• Support employee relations matters such as absence management.
• Maintain HR systems and records.
• Coordinate training and engagement initiatives.
• Produce and analyse HR data and reports.
• Lead on health and safety matters.
• Line manage the receptionist.

Skills

HR generalist experience

Knowledge of UK employment law

Interpersonal skills

Health and safety oversight

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent

Job description

Interim HR Manager

Location: Near Southend Airport

Contract: 4 months initially (October start), with potential to extend for a further 5 months

Salary: 34,000 per annum

Working pattern: On-site 5 days per week (with ad-hoc home working flexibility)

Are you an experienced HR generalist looking for your next challenge? We're seeking a confident and hands-on Interim HR Manager to join a fast-paced consumer goods business, not far from Southend Airport. This is a maternity cover role, initially for four months from October, with the strong likelihood of extending for a further five months.

In this varied standalone position, you'll play a key role in driving day-to-day HR operations while supporting the wider business with all people-related matters. You'll also be responsible for line managing the receptionist and overseeing health and safety on site.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the first point of contact for all HR-related queries, providing sound advice and guidance to managers and employees
• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, probation reviews, performance management, and leaver processes
• Support employee relations matters such as absence management, investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes
• Maintain and update HR systems and employee records, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and internal policies
• Coordinate training, development, and engagement initiatives across the business
• Produce and analyse HR data and reports to inform decision-making
• Lead on all health and safety matters, including risk assessments and ensuring a safe working environment
• Line manage the receptionist, providing direction and support

What We're Looking For:

• Proven HR generalist experience at HR Manager or Senior Advisor level
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices
• Comfortable working in a standalone role in a busy, fast-moving environment
• Able to build relationships at all levels and influence with credibility and confidence
• Experience overseeing health and safety is desirable, though not essential
• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) preferred

This is a great opportunity to step into a broad HR role with real autonomy and variety. You'll be joining a collaborative and committed team, with the chance to make a genuine impact.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

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