HR Manager (Maternity Cover)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands on HR Manager to provide maternity cover in a fast paced financial services environment. This role is responsible for delivering a full spectrum of HR services, leading a small team, and partnering with business leaders to support organisational goals.

The successful candidate will balance operational excellence with strategic input, ensuring HR practices are efficient, compliant, and aligned with business needs.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 (2 HR Officers and 1 Talent Manager)
• Allocate workload, set objectives, and monitor performance
• Foster a high performance, collaborative team culture

HR Operations

• Oversee day to day HR operations, ensuring smooth delivery of HR services
• Manage employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, performance, promotions, exits)
• Ensure HR systems and records are accurate and up to date

Employee Relations

• Act as escalation point for complex employee relations issues
• Provide expert advice on disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters
• Ensure consistent and fair application of policies

Talent & Recruitment

• Partner with the Talent Manager to oversee recruitment strategy and delivery
• Support workforce planning and hiring in a competitive financial services market
• Ensure strong candidate experience and employer branding

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with senior managers to understand business needs and provide HR solutions
• Influence and coach leaders on people related matters
• Act as a trusted advisor across the business

HR Strategy & Projects

• Support delivery of HR initiatives aligned to business objectives
• Lead or contribute to HR projects (e.g., policy updates, engagement initiatives)
• Drive continuous improvement in HR processes

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with employment law and financial services regulations
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures
• Support audits and regulatory requirements where needed

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an HR Manager or Senior HR Business Partner role
• Experience managing or mentoring HR team members
• Strong employee relations expertise
• Background in financial services or similarly regulated, fast paced environments preferred
• Solid understanding of UK employment law
• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 minimum (Level 7 preferred or equivalent experience)

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and solutions focused
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast moving environment
• Strong attention to detail with a commercial mindset
• Confident communicator with credibility at all levels

Success Measures

• Effective management and development of HR team
• High quality, timely HR support to the business
• Positive stakeholder feedback
• Smooth handling of employee relations cases
• Delivery of key HR projects within timeframe