HR Manager (Maternity Cover)

Overview

Be part of our journey. Location: St Mary's Stadium. Hours: Full Time. Contract Type: 12 Months Fixed Term. Salary: Up to £42,000. Saints Foundation is the charity of Southampton Football Club. We support people in need throughout Southampton, providing opportunities to help our communities thrive.

Role

We are looking for an HR Manager to lead and deliver the Saints Foundation's people and culture agenda. This is a key role, working closely with senior leaders, managers and Southampton Football Club's HR team to ensure Saints Foundation remains an outstanding place to work and volunteer. You will shape a positive, inclusive and values-led culture, providing practical HR guidance to managers and helping our people feel engaged and able to perform at their best.

Key areas include employee relations, wellbeing, recruitment, learning and development, volunteering and people data. This role has broad impact across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the people function for Saints Foundation, collaborating with Southampton Football Club's HR team for shared policy, alignment or specialist support.
• Provide trusted advice and hands-on support to managers on performance, absence, conduct, wellbeing and employee relations.
• Support managers with objective setting, feedback and addressing underperformance in a fair and consistent manner.
• Help deliver the People Strategy, champion staff voice and engagement, and use people data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Shape initiatives supporting staff wellbeing, retention and a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
• Ensure HR and volunteering policies and processes are legally compliant and aligned to safeguarding, equality, diversity, data protection and wider people-related risk requirements.
• Lead and support key people processes including recruitment, onboarding, safer recruitment, DBS checks, monthly payroll reporting, HR system updates, learning and development, apprenticeship levy use and staff and volunteer development.
• Represent Saints Foundation, Southampton Football Club and funding partners professionally, promoting a safe, inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, participants and the wider community.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experienced HR professional with strong generalist or business partnering background, ideally in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident handling sensitive and confidential matters with sound judgement, professionalism and care.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g., CIPD Level 5 or above) and strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Ability to manage employee relations cases independently (disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance) and support managers with policies and practical decision making.
• Clear and confident communicator who can build positive relationships and influence managers across audiences.
• Purpose-driven, people-focused and passionate about supporting Saints Foundation's work.

Benefits

• Healthy benefits package including 2 free match tickets for every home league game.
• Access to staff health and wellbeing initiatives (mental and physical health) and discounted club merchandise.
• 26 days' holiday per year plus your birthday off; contributory pension scheme; worldwide travel insurance for you and your family.
• Learning and development opportunities and on-site parking; Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative and inclusive working culture.

How to Apply

Click the apply button, enter your details, answer the quick pre-screening questionnaire, and attach your CV. Closing date: 22 July 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. You will be required to adhere to relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to safeguarding and to ensure Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. Employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK. The Club may require an enhanced DBS disclosure. See our Recruitment Privacy Notice and Group Privacy & Data Protection Policy for more information.

About Us

Southampton Football Club is part of St. Mary's Football Group, including the Saints Foundation. We seek integrity, compassion and support for those around us, with an honest approach and accountability. Our sites include St. Mary's Stadium, Staplewood Campus, the Bath Academy and other development centers across the South of England. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting equal opportunities in employment and to creating a safe culture for all.