HR Manager; Bedfordshire

HR Manager - Bedford

We are recruiting an HR Manager for our client to support our Head Office functions that are located across three buildings in Bedford.

This is a fully on-site role and not suitable for hybrid or remote working. It requires a visible, hands‑on presence across our Head Office teams to build strong working relationships and provide effective, face‑to‑face HR support.
As HR Manager, you will play a key role in delivering a professional, credible, and commercially focused HR service, working closely with managers to build strong relationships and support a high-performance culture. They will also be first line support for a small team.

This role requires a high level of personal credibility, sound professional judgement and attention to detail, given its impact on employee relations and business decision-making.

• Provide professional HR advice and support across a range of areas including employee relations, performance management, and people development
• Build trusted, face‑to‑face relationships with stakeholders, taking time to understand their teams, challenges, and operational priorities before influencing decisions
• Ensure all HR activity meets professional standards, compliance requirements, and data confidentiality expectations
• Coach managers in a supportive, balanced, and credible way, adapting your communication style to suit different individuals and situations
• Ensure the effective execution of HR projects in alignment with organisational goals.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with business needs and priorities
• Analyse HR data and provide clear, accurate insights to support decision‑making
• Maintain accurate and structured case documentation to ensure all employee relations matters are compliant and auditable
• Follow agreed processes, policies, and direction, ensuring outputs are accurate, proportionate, and reviewed before being shared

• Acting as a trusted partner, building credibility before challenging or influencing
• Being visible and accessible on site, supporting managers and teams directly
• Balancing operational priorities with HR requirements.
• Maintaining accurate records, documentation, and reporting across all areas of responsibility
• Supporting managers in a way that is practical, proportionate, and aligned to the business and appropriate to the situation.

• HR degree or CIPD qualification (or equivalent)
• Strong generalist HR experience, ideally within a fast‑paced or operational environment
• Demonstrable experience managing employee relations cases end‑to‑end with strong process, compliance, and documentation knowledge
• Proven ability to build credible, in‑person relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt style and approach to different audiences
• Strong judgement and the ability to prioritise effectively, follow direction, and deliver appropriate outcomes
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and professional standards
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain key trackers and reporting requirements
• Workday experience and comfortable working with HR data and presenting information clearly

• HR experience in an operational or multi‑site environment
• Ability to balance coaching, support, and challenge appropriately
• A pragmatic, visible, and hands‑on approach to HR
• A strong preference for working on‑site and embedded within the business

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and an additional day per year to use for something special
• A paid volunteer day for a charity of your choice
• Private medical insurance…