Part Time HR Manager

Job responsibilities

Job purpose

To support delivery of the organisations people, plan by providing a high-quality, end-to-end HR service and contributing to key strategic initiatives. Working closely with the Head of HR, the HR Manager will partner with managers and employees across the employee lifecycle, while leading or supporting project workstreams. The role requires a proactive, detail-focused practitioner who can confidently manage operational HR matters, including employee relations, alongside policy development and data-led insights.

Key responsibilities

Provide expert, timely and legally compliant HR advice to managers across the full range of employee relations matters, including absence management, performance, disciplinary, grievance and capability cases.

Take ownership of ER cases, ensuring appropriate risk assessment, documentation and escalation to the Head of HR where required.

Coach and upskill managers to build confidence and capability in people management, promoting consistent and fair application of policies and procedures.

Plan and manage casework effectively, including investigations, hearings and appeals, ensuring accurate record keeping and adherence to organisational standards.

Monitor ER trends and identify themes, providing insight and recommendations to inform proactive interventions.

Lead on the development of manager guidance notes and FAQs to accompany policy updates Lead the development, review and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with employment legislation, best practice and organisational priorities.

Take responsibility for allocated policies from research and drafting through to consultation, approval and rollout.

Ensure clear and accessible communication of policies, including producing guidance materials, toolkits and to support effective adoption.

Maintain awareness of legislative changes and proactively advise the Head of HR on implications and required action.

Design and run lunch and learn and other development interventions relating to HR policy and practice for managers and senior leaders.

Lead or contribute significantly to key People Plan workstreams, managing defined projects or work programs with clear objectives, timelines and outcomes.

Coordinate project activity, including stakeholder engagement, progress tracking and reporting to the Head of HR.

Use data and insight to inform project delivery, including areas such as DEI, engagement, and workforce planning.

Evaluate the impact of initiatives and recommend improvements to enhance organisational effectiveness and employee experience.

Analyse HR data from HR systems and other sources to identify trends, risks and opportunities, presenting clear and actionable insights.

Produce regular and ad hoc reports to support decision-making by the Head of HR and Corporate Management Group.

Ensure data accuracy and integrity within HR systems, promoting effective use of HR information to drive continuous improvement.

Work closely with the HR Officer, who leads on recruitment, payroll and HR administration, to ensure a seamless and efficient HR service across the employee lifecycle.

Provide guidance and oversight to the HR Officer on operational HR matters, ensuring accuracy, consistency and compliance with policies and procedures.

Collaborate to continuously improve HR processes, systems and service delivery standards.

Act as an escalation point for more complex queries arising from transactional HR activities.

Support the development of the HR Officer by sharing knowledge, providing coaching and fostering a collaborative team environment.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the role, as reasonably required by the Head of Human Resources.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• CIPD qualified minimum Level 3 (Foundation Certificate or equivalent)
• Evidence of continuing professional development in HR

Desirable

• Working towards or has attained CIPD Level 5 (Associate Diploma) or above
• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Resilient and adaptable with competing priorities
• Proactive and solutions-focused takes initiative and follows through

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience working in an HR generalist or advisory role
• Proven ability to manage ER casework (absence, disciplinary, grievance, performance) to resolution
• Experience drafting and reviewing HR policies and supporting documentation
• Knowledge of current UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience supporting and coaching managers through HR processes and formal procedures

Desirable

• Experience of working as part of a HR team in a small public sector organisation
• Experience of supporting or delivering HR projects (e.g. policy review, organisational change,)
• Familiarity with DEI frameworks and inclusive HR practice

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Strong attention to detail, produces accurate, error-free work consistently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, able to draft clear, well-structured documents for varied audiences
• Intermediate user of Word, Excel & ...