Senior UK HR Generalist — Lead People & Payroll (Manchester)

MDPI AG; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Paid time off

Culture & events

Bonus schemes

Perkbox

Private health plan

City centre office

Cyclescheme

Techscheme

Job summary

MDPI AG in Manchester is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to oversee the UK HR function, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll and employee relations. You will lead the local HR team and collaborate with Europe and North America on global initiatives.

The role is full-time and in-office at our Manchester city centre office, next to Piccadilly Gardens. Strong UK employment law knowledge and payroll experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• A recognised HR qualification, such as CIPD Level 5 or equivalent.
• Proven track record in progressive HR roles with strong UK employment law knowledge.
• Hands-on payroll processing and HR administration experience.
• Experience leading a team or managing others; strong feedback skills.
• Proficient with HR systems and Microsoft 365.
• Fluent English with excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Own the employee lifecycle for the UK office: recruitment, onboarding, probation, promotions, contracts and offboarding.
• Be the trusted HR contact for employees and line managers; advise on policies and UK matters.
• Handle employee relations cases from performance to disciplinary and grievances.
• Prepare and check monthly payroll; support salary benchmarking and bonus/OKR info.
• Maintain accurate HR administration: contracts, records, right-to-work and visas.
• Support hiring managers with job descriptions, requisitions, offers and contracts.
• Lead the local HR team: manage the HR Assistant, coordinate projects, provide feedback.
• Contribute to regional/global HR projects, bringing UK perspective.

Skills

HR Generalist

Payroll

Employee relations

UK employment law

People management

Microsoft 365

Recruiting

Onboarding

Education

HR degree

CIPD Level 5

Tools

MS Office

HRIS

Payroll software

Job description

MDPI AG in Manchester is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to oversee the UK HR function, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll and employee relations. You will lead the local HR team and collaborate with Europe and North America on global initiatives.

The role is full-time and in-office at our Manchester city centre office, next to Piccadilly Gardens. Strong UK employment law knowledge and payroll experience are essential.