HR Manager; FTC mat cover

Paying up to £48k + Hybrid Working (12-15 months FTC)

A fast-growing, innovative business in Rochdale is seeking an experienced HR Manager to provide leadership of the Human Resources and Payroll function during a period of maternity cover, ensuring continuity, compliance, and consistently high standards of service across all HR operations.

THE JOB

The HR Manager will act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, delivering professional, consistent HR support and maintaining robust people processes. The role will also ensure the organisation is well prepared for forthcoming employment law developments arising from the Employment Rights Bill.

In addition, the postholder will oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the recently implemented Moorepay HR and payroll system, ensuring accuracy, data integrity, and smooth ongoing use.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the HR and Payroll function, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on workforce planning, organisational structure, and performance, while leading and developing the HR and payroll team
• Oversee all employee relations activity, ensuring consistent, fair, and legally compliant outcomes, and maintain robust HR policies, procedures, and documentation in line with UK employment law, including upcoming changes under the Employment Rights Bill
• Build management capability through coaching, training, and day-to-day support across performance management, absence, conduct, and grievance matters
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention activity, including succession planning, talent development, apprenticeships, and delivery of training to meet statutory, compliance, and organisational needs
• Ensure the accurate and compliant delivery of monthly payroll and effective use of HR, payroll, and time and attendance systems, working closely with Finance on budgeting, reporting, and reward processes
• Champion a positive, inclusive workplace culture by promoting employee engagement, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and supporting employee forums and wellbeing programmes
• Maintain strong governance and reporting, ensuring compliance with employment law and data protection requirements, accurate employee records, and meaningful HR metrics and reporting

THE PERSON

Essential:

• CIPD Level 5 or 7 qualified, with proven experience in a senior HR generalist or HR Manager role
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing HR teams and overseeing payroll
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Excellent communication, coaching, and influencing skills, with a high level of professionalism and discretion
• Highly organised and analytical, with strong attention to detail and confidence using Microsoft Office and HR systems

Desirable:

• Experience working in a manufacturing, FMCG, or family-owned business environment
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on role while contributing at a strategic level
• Experience with HR audit, compliance, payroll, and basic finance processes
• Familiarity with Moorepay or similar HR and payroll systems (e.g. ADP)
• Previous experience providing maternity or interim HR cover

THE BENEFITS

• Flexible Working Opportunities
• 22 days holiday + the bank holidays (with the option to WFH during the bank holidays to gain additional days leave of your choice)
• Pension Scheme
• 50% Employee Discount
• Healthcare and Wellbeing Programme
• Free, On-site Parking
• A full calendar of employee engagement events throughout the year

Please note that we are only able to consider applications from those who are eligible to work in the UK and therefore do not require sponsorship.