Our client, an ambitious and rapidly growing business engineering and business infrastructure consulting group is looking to recruit a Learning and Development Lead.  Reporting directly to CEO, the HR Manager will play a pivotal role in managing and developing HR operations for the group as it continues to grow. 

Role Title: HR Manager
Location: Cheshire
Type: Permanent
Salary: c. £60,000 - £65,000 plus benefits. 

This generalist role focuses on onboarding, integrating new acquisitions, recruitment, performance management, and ensuring alignment across culture, systems, and processes within the expanding organisation. The ideal candidate will be an experienced HR professional who can balance strategic HR management with operational execution, ensuring that the HR function supports business growth and scalability while maintaining a positive and cohesive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of HR strategy and operations for the entire business, ensuring alignment with the group’s growth plans, business objectives, and culture.
• Oversee the successful onboarding process for new hires, including new acquisitions, ensuring smooth integration into the company culture, systems, and processes.
• Develop and implement HR processes and systems that streamline HR functions and ensure consistency and efficiency across the business.
• Manage the recruitment process, including the development of job descriptions, candidate sourcing, interview processes, and onboarding, ensuring the attraction and selection of high-quality talent across all levels of the organisation.
• Partner with hiring managers to understand talent needs and proactively build talent pipelines for current and future roles.
• Lead the change management initiatives, working closely with senior leaders to guide the organisation through periods of change, ensuring minimal disruption to operations while maintaining employee engagement and productivity.
• Design and implement performance management strategies that support continuous employee growth, enhance productivity, and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Develop and implement frameworks for employee development and career progression, including creating clear pathways for career growth and succession planning.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and senior leaders, providing guidance on employee relations, performance issues, and conflict resolution.
• Work closely with senior leaders and management to develop and implement strategies for culture alignment across the organisation, including during periods of acquisition or growth.
• Support the development and communication of HR policies and practices that reflect best practices, are compliant with relevant legislation, and align with company values.
• Ensure HR policies and practices are up to date, compliant with relevant legislation, and reflect best practices across the industry.
• Manage HR reporting, data analysis, and provide insights on workforce trends to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Act as a point of contact for senior leaders on strategic HR matters, providing guidance on best practices and policy development.
• Drive continuous improvement of HR systems, policies, and practices to align with business goals, enhance employee satisfaction, and drive organisational success.

Measures of Success

• Successful integration of new acquisitions into the group, including alignment of culture, HR systems, and processes.
• Effective recruitment strategies that result in the acquisition of high-quality talent and streamlined hiring processes.
• Improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of HR processes and systems across the organisation.
• Positive feedback from stakeholders on HR support, communication, and culture alignment initiatives.
• Successful change management initiatives that minimise disruption during periods of transition and maintain employee engagement.
• High levels of employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, driven by strong onboarding, performance management, and development programs.
• Consistent compliance with HR policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements, with minimal risk or issues arising.
• Demonstrated ability to align HR strategies with the company's growth objectives and business needs

Person Specification

• Significant experience in HR management, including generalist HR roles with a strong focus on recruitment, performance management, and organisational change.
• In-depth knowledge of HR practices, systems, and processes, with experience in driving HR efficiency, culture alignment, and successful talent acquisition in a growing business.
• Proven track record in managing HR during periods of organisational change, including mergers, acquisitions, or rapid expansion.
• Strong understanding of employment law and best practices, with experience ensuring compliance and mitigating HR-related risks.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing performance management strategies that drive employee growth, productivity, and business results.
• Demonstrated success in leading change management initiatives that support organisational growth and minimise disruptions.
• Proficiency in HR technologies and systems, including HRIS, performance management tools, and digital onboarding platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on approach to supporting employees and leaders in a fast-paced environment.
• Data-driven approach with experience in reporting, HR metrics, and using data to inform HR decisions and strategies.
• CIPD qualified or equivalent HR qualification is essential.

Lily Shippen is a leading business and executive support recruitment agency in the UK. We recruit top-tier talent across HR, executive support, and business operations roles, ensuring organisations can access the expertise needed to thrive.

We recruit for a broad range of positions, including Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Office Managers, Chief of Staff, and HR roles. Our services span across Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, London, and the wider UK, including remote and international roles. Whether you’re hiring for permanent, temporary, or fixed-term contracts, we offer tailored recruitment solutions to meet your needs.