Complex employee relations, people leadership and organisational change: this People Manager role offers scope to influence both day-to-day decisions and longer-term people priorities.
We are recruiting on behalf of a York-based professional services organisation seeking a commercially minded HR generalist who can combine practical advice with fair, consistent people practices. Reporting to the Head of People and line managing an Advisor and Administrator, you’ll help deliver a high-quality HR service across the full employee lifecycle. You’ll need to be in the office at least 2, preferably 3 days per week.
This is a hands-on management role with breadth. Alongside supporting managers through sensitive casework, you’ll use people data and employee insight to improve processes, strengthen management capability and identify risks before they escalate. The remit also includes acquisition due diligence, TUPE consultation and integration activity.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading and advising on complex employee relations cases, including performance, capability, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters, with sound judgement and clear application of UK employment law.
- Managing and developing the Advisor and Administrator, supporting effective operational delivery and consistent advice.
- Partnering with managers on workforce and succession planning, talent reviews, career development, capability gaps and retention risks.
- Supporting annual pay reviews, benchmarking and benefits activity.
- Reviewing and implementing practical HR policies, procedures and manager guidance, keeping pace with employment law changes.
- Supporting compliance with data protection, right-to-work, equality and internal governance requirements, recognising when specialist advice or escalation is needed.
- Helping managers improve engagement, performance and employee experience, while contributing to leadership development, wellbeing, recognition and learning initiatives.
- Supporting communication through organisational change and growth, promoting inclusive, respectful practices across teams and locations.
- Assessing workforce structures, employment risks, contractual obligations, terms and conditions, employee relations issues and cultural considerations during acquisition due diligence.
- Managing and coordinating TUPE consultations and employee transfers, monitoring integration progress and recommending corrective action where needed
What you’ll bring:
You’ll need CIPD Level 5 or equivalent practical experience, alongside at least five years’ HR generalist experience, including a minimum of two years as a People Manager within a fast-growing SME, small corporate or professional environment where priorities move quickly.
A strong grounding in UK employment law and employee relations is essential, as is the ability to lead and develop People team colleagues. You’ll be comfortable influencing managers, explaining risk clearly and finding workable solutions that balance commercial priorities with employee experience.
Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills will help you turn recurring casework themes, engagement feedback and people data into useful action. Curiosity, initiative and a collaborative approach matter, together with the judgement to know when to act independently and when to seek further advice.
Experience of organisational change, restructuring, M&A or integration would be advantageous.
Next steps
For an experienced People Manager who enjoys both resolving immediate challenges and improving how an organisation manages its people, this role offers a broad and challenging remit.
Apply, quoting HE-FLK-789, with your CV to be considered.
Interviews (a 2-stage process) will take place in November with a view to the successful candidate starting in January.
